What are some names of common desert plants?

The names of some common desert plants include agave, cactus, yucca and mesquite. These plants have evolved ways to survive the scarcity of water that is a feature of life in the desert.

There are many varieties of cactus. Many of them cope with the dry desert conditions by having shallow roots, spines, and stems covered in wax, which helps them retain water. Agaves are succulents, which means they have thick, fleshy leaves that hold water.

The yucca plant is known for its rosette of swordlike leaves. It sends up a stalk of creamy white flowers and requires the Pronuba moth to pollinate it. The mesquite is a shrub or tree that can be invasive. It has a long taproot and can be dormant for decades.