This saguaro cactus holds plenty of water and has a waxy layer for protection from the Sun.
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Courtesy of Corel Photography
Desert Plants
Surprisingly, there are many species of plants that survive in the desert. Most of them are succulents, which means they store water. Others have seeds that lay dorment until a rain awakens them. Regardless, these plants find a way to get water and protect themselves from the heat.
The most famous desert plant is the cactus. There are many species of cacti. The saguaro cactus is the tall, pole shaped cactus you see on television. The saguaro can grow up to 40 feet tall. It can hold several tons of water inside its soft tissue. Like all cacti, the saguaro has a thick, waxy layer that protects it from the Sun.
Other succulents include the desert rose and the living rock. This strange plant looks like a spiny rock. It's disguise protects it from predators. The welwitschia is a weird looking plant. It has two long leaves and a big root. This plant is actually a type of tree and it can live for thousands of years.
There are many other kinds of desert plants. Some of them have thorns, others have beautiful flowers and deadly poisons. Even in the worst conditions, these plants continue to thrive.
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