Desert plants have come up with some smart ways to survive in a tough environment. They have special features that help them save water, handle extreme temperatures, and compete for resources.

Here’s how they do it:

1. Water Storage:

   • Many desert plants, like cacti, have thick stems that hold a lot of water. For example, a saguaro cactus can store around 2,000 liters of water after it rains.

2. Small or No Leaves:

   • A lot of desert plants have tiny leaves or even no leaves at all. This helps them lose less water. Take the desert sage, for instance—its leaves are only about 1 to 2 millimeters long!

3. Waxy Surfaces:

   • These plants have a thick, waxy layer on their leaves and stems. This coating helps keep water in. Some plants can lose up to 90% of their water without wilting.

4. Deep Roots:

   • Desert plants usually have really deep roots, reaching as far down as 7 meters! This helps them find water that’s far below the surface.

5. Nighttime Breathing:

   • Some plants, like pineapples and certain succulents, have a special way of doing photosynthesis called CAM. They open their tiny breathing pores (stomata) at night instead of during the hot day. This clever trick can reduce water loss by up to 90% compared to regular photosynthesis.

Thanks to these amazing adaptations, desert plants can live and grow even though they might only get 15 to 25 centimeters of rain each year.