SOUTHWEST DESERT FLORA Whiskey Glass

Cacti have a unique feature called "areoles" from which spines, flowers, and new branches grow. Areoles are highly modified branches or shoots, and they are characteristic of the cactus family. These structures allow cacti to adapt to their harsh environments in intriguing ways. For example, the spines, which are modified leaves, not only deter herbivores but also provide shade and reduce water loss by breaking up air currents near the cactus surface, thereby reducing evaporation. This adaptation is crucial for survival in the arid climates of the American Southwest.