This is about the different types of plants that grow in the desert.

2. Barrel CactusBarrel Cactus
 TThe pleated shape of thehe pleated shape of the
Barrel Cactus allows it toBarrel Cactus allows it to
expand when it rains andexpand when it rains and
store water in its spongystore water in its spongy
tissue.tissue.
 It shrinks in size during dryIt shrinks in size during dry
times as it uses the storedtimes as it uses the stored
water.water.

3. Old Man CactusOld Man Cactus
 TheThe white hairy surface of the Old Manwhite hairy surface of the Old Man
Cactus helps the plant reflect the hot desertCactus helps the plant reflect the hot desert
sun.sun.

4. Prickly Pear CactusPrickly Pear Cactus
 SSince many desert plants store water in theirince many desert plants store water in their
spongy tissue, animals will eat them for thespongy tissue, animals will eat them for the
moisture.moisture.
 The thorns keep them safe from many animalThe thorns keep them safe from many animal
predators.predators.

5. Dragon TreeDragon Tree
 TThe Dragon Tree is not from thehe Dragon Tree is not from the
American deserts.American deserts.
 It is from the Canary Islands.It is from the Canary Islands.
 It has a sap that hardens to aIt has a sap that hardens to a
dark red.dark red.
 People call the sap "Dragon'sPeople call the sap "Dragon's
Blood."Blood."
 The sap is sometimes used as aThe sap is sometimes used as a
fake stone in jewelry.fake stone in jewelry.

6. Fish Hook CactusFish Hook Cactus
 TThe fish hook shaped spines of the Fish Hookhe fish hook shaped spines of the Fish Hook
Cactus help divert heat and shade the growingCactus help divert heat and shade the growing
tip of the plant.tip of the plant.
 Many cacti lean further toward the sun as theyMany cacti lean further toward the sun as they
grow.grow.
 Some may eventually uproot themselvesSome may eventually uproot themselves

7. Desert SpoonDesert Spoon
 SSucculent leaves can store waterucculent leaves can store water
inside them.inside them.
 These leaves are usually thick andThese leaves are usually thick and
tough to reduce water loss.tough to reduce water loss.
 The Desert Spoon has leaves thatThe Desert Spoon has leaves that
are trimmed and polished for salesare trimmed and polished for sales
as curios.as curios.
 The papago and Pima Indians useThe papago and Pima Indians use
them in baskets.them in baskets.
 The woody stems contain a sugaryThe woody stems contain a sugary
sap that can be fermented into asap that can be fermented into a
drink that is called sotol.drink that is called sotol.