We have learned that plants need water to survive. And we also know that there are some plants such as cacti which do not need to be watered regularly. They live in deserts where water is scarce, and have learned the survival tactic. They store water in different parts of their structure, and use it as and when needed. Some can survive for years without water. Let us discuss some unique desert plants information.
Silver Torch Cactus
From the name silver torch, you might have guessed that this cactus must be having a unique appearance. We have seen cactus plants; most of them look green and fleshy. Silver torch cactus looks silvery white, and grows up to a height of 3 meters.
Silver torch cactus has several slender upright columns covered with white hairs, with some of them spotting red flowers. Even the flowers are different. They are cylindrical in shape, and protrude horizontally from the columns. The most unique aspect of silver torch is that it can withstand sub zero temperatures, but not high temperatures. Too touchy for a cactus, right?
Baobab trees
Baobab trees thrive in the African Sahara deserts. The tree is known to have a very long life. It can store thousands of liters of water. No less than a water tank! And, it is heavily equipped to fight off all types of invaders. The outer bark of the tree is slippery so as to prevent monkeys from climbing over.
Though it is nicknamed as the tree of life, it has a rather eerie appearance. The branches of the tree look more like roots pointed skywards, which gave it another name, the upside-down tree. In olden times, aborigines of African region used every part of the tree, be it leaves, fruit, or bark. Among the desert plants information that people usually search for, baobab trees are the most common.
Jumping Cholla
Our next unique desert survivor is a cactus that jumps at you. No, they don’t really jump. Jumping cholla is a tree-like plant with drooping branches. Its stems have the unique property that they easily detach from the plant. Give a slight brush, and the stems switch sides. They are now part of your body or clothing.
There is no need to fear the jumping cholla. This jumping is just a part of their survival strategy. The detached stems can grow into a new plant. Did you get a jumping cholla stuck in your shirt? Take it easy, they are just trying to propagate their kind.
Saguaro Cactus
This giant cactus is the iconic symbol of American Southwest. Saguaro cactus flower is the state flower of Arizona. Images of tall saguaro plants are used in Western movies, to give a feel of the Southwest. They grow in columns, and can go up to 40 feet in height. Most plants develop arms pointing upwards.
Saguaro cacti store enormous amounts of water. Although they have sharp spines all over, these plants are generous enough to allow birds to take shelter on them. Several sparrows and woodpeckers build their homes in the holes of saguaro cactus.
If you are interested in reading more of such unique plant facts, go to our Fascinating Facts section.
Test your understanding of desert plants by taking this Quiz.
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