Cactus

Cacti are masters of desert survival. Their thick, fleshy stems store water, and their spines are actually modified leaves that shade the plant and protect it from thirsty animals. Nearly all true cacti are native to the Americas, from the towering saguaro of the Sonoran Desert to forest-dwelling species that grow on trees.

This category covers classic desert icons like the saguaro cactus and barrel cactus, plus easy houseplants such as the Christmas cactus. It also includes popular succulents often grown alongside cacti, including aloe vera, agave, hens and chicks and the ponytail palm, along with notes on cactus flowers and edible cactus fruit.