Cactus are some of the best suited plants for the dry, hot climates of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts. They range in size from just a few feet, exemplified by the beavertail, to over 50 feet in the noble Saguro.
The plants protect themselves from the harsh dry climate in the desert with a thick almost waxy skin with helps prevent water lose. They gather water by employing a vast root system or growing deep tap roots to help gather as much water as possible. The body of the cacti will visibly swell after a monsoon and wilt during the dry season.
These plants are famous for their sharp spines which protect them from molestation. Speaking with first hand knowledge, they are not fun. Despite the danger, tortoise are know to eat some species of them, and many animals make the homes in, around on these plants.
There resources of these planets have been used by humans for thousands of years. Certain species are a food source and in modern society, some are used to make cacti jelly. However, the most interesting thing about these plants is the magnificent display of color when they bloom in the spring.
 Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus)The Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is a commonly seen resident of the desert southwest and its range includes California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico. The… |
 Beavertail Prickly Pear (opuntia basilaris)The Beavertail Prickly Pear cactus (opuntia basilaris) is very common in the desert south west, and would go most of the year most of the… |
 Mojave Mound Cactus ( Echinocereus mohavensis )The Mojave Mound Cactus or Claret Cup Cactus boasts a bright red - orange flower blossom. The Mojave Mound Cactus ( Echinocereus mohavensis ) is… |
 Mojave prickly pear ( Opuntia erinacea )Mojave prickly pear ( Opuntia erinacea ), or grizzlybear prickly pear, is a fairly common cactus with a wide spread distribution across the desert south.… |
 Pencil Cholla ( Cylindropuntia ramosissima )Pencil Cholla ( Cylindropuntia ramosissima ), also known as Diamond Cholla, is a medium sized cacti species which is mainly categorized from long narrow body… |
 Saguaro ( Carnegiea gigantea )The Saguaro ( Carnegiea gigantea ) is perhaps one of the most iconic member of the cacti family in the south west desert, and located… |
 Silver Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)Silver Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa) is a common species of cactus which is native to the southwestern United States including Nevada, Arizona and California. The Silver… |
 Teddybear Cholla ( Cylindropuntia bigelovii )The soft bristly cactus spines give the Teddybear Cholla its furry, cute appearance and mask the ferocious defense of this desert cactus. This member of… |