The Barrel Cactus grows in the desert but can also be
spotted growing along canyon walls. This is easily distinguished from other
cacti because of its cylinder shaped body. The barrel cactus usually reaches
from around five to eleven feet tall. Cacti show many adaptations to conserve
water. Most species of cacti no longer have true leaves, and instead changed
them out spines.
These are highly modified leaves. Spines help the cactus defend against herbivores and help
prevent water loss by reducing airflow close to the cactus and providing shade.
Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly
reduced branch. Since the cactus does not have leaves, enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis.
The Brittlebush is a small shrub, which grows 2 to 5 feet high. Branches sprout from a wooden trunk. The leaves of this plant have serrated edges, and are wider at the base of the plant than the tip. The leaves of this plant are covered are covered with short hairs. The hairs on the leaves form a blanket over the leaves and act as an insulating layer against the heat and cold. The hairy leaves also trap any moisture that is in the air, and reduce the amount of water lost to dry air. The Brittlebush is part of the sunflower family. Mule deer and desert bighorn sheep consume this plant.
The Ocotillo can grow from 9-30 feet tall. It has spines that are about 1.5 inches long. The leaves of this shrub are thick and leather like and grow several times in the growing season. The leaves of this shrub are narrow 2-inch ovals, which can sprout within 3 days of a rainfall. When water is scarce the leaves turn brown and fall off. When the leaves die the stalk and part of the steam become woody and form spines. During plentiful times the plants grow flowers, which are pollinated by humming birds. The ocotillo is a great example of a shrub, which changed to excel in its environment.
The Creosote Bush is a tough shrub that grows very plentifully. The bush consists of a group of 4 to 12 plants that shoot up from one plant in all directions. The Creosote Bush has small pointy green leaves that are covered with a glaze. These leaves grow from the branches of the bush. The Creosote Bush has flowers that also grow along the stems. These flowers are yellow and about the same size as the leaves. The fruit is small and round with gray or white hairy tufts on them
The Jumping Cholla is completely covered with silvery spines. If the spikes come in contact with something they will stick to it. The segmented joint of the jumping cholla separates easily when brushed up against. These can be found littering the ground near one of these plants. From the separated segments they take root and grow. The jumping cholla’s spikes are around 1 inch and completely hide the stem. The spines on young chollas are silvery white, and have a detachable, papery sheath. This plant has developed several adaptations to survive in its desert environment. The covering of spines shades the plant from the desert heat. The spines also prevent animals from eating them. The stems of the plant are separated into segments that store water and conduct photosynthesis. They separate easily so animals, and strongwinds can disperse them easily. The jumping cholla on average grows between 6 to 7 feet tall.