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Octillo  |
Stomata are the little holes on the underside of a leaf that let air into a plant. Plants like the Ocotillo have very small leaves and therefore have very few stomata. This makes sure that water inside the plant doesn't evaporate so quickly |
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Barrel cacyus  |
The pleated shape of the Barrel Cactus allows it to expand when it rains and store water in its spongy tissue. It shrinks in size during dry times as it uses the stored water. |
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Mesquite
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The Mesquite tree's roots go 40 feet or more deep. At this depth, the roots secure a constant source of water throughout the year. In April and May, mesquite trees are covered with pale-yellow flowers. These flowers develop stringbean-like pods rich in sugar making them a great source of food for desert animals. |