The desert prickly-pear, known to botanists as Opuntia phaeacantha, is the Southwest's most widespread and abundant species of cactus. Unlike the giant saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) that is restricted ...

A new study shows that demand for wild cactus and rare plants many soon surpass supply in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and the US. Gland, Switzerland – Demand for wild cactus and rare plants by ...

With their tough skins, pointy armor and legendary stamina, cacti are made to defend themselves from whatever nature throws at them. But large solar energy facilities are one threat that cacti weren’t ...

Bearing the state flower of Arizona, the saguaro cactus remains an essential part of the Sonoran Desert’s identity. The 40-60 foot-tall saguaro and its fruit are great natural resources for both ...

Sedona, Arizona, feels like flying through a painting. The rocks shine in deep reds and warm golds, and the air buzzes with ...

Signaling the end of spring, smoke trees in the desert washes become dotted with tiny bluish-purple blooms at the beginning of summer each year. The color is deep and distinct and has been revered by ...

The Saguaro National Park is found in the Sonoran Desert. This Park is home to the largest species of cacti. Find out more about this interesting desert and the scientists studying there at the ...

Many desert animals make use of the wide variety of cholla found within the desert environment. The fleshy fruits are a source of both food and moisture for many species of mammals. Birds find the ...

Some artists offer a glimpse of a future that is already occurring in some climates. Others imagine a world past the point of ...

With their tough skins, pointy armor and legendary stamina, cacti are made to defend themselves from whatever nature throws at them. But large solar energy facilities are one threat that cacti weren’t ...