Benefits of the Cactus Plant

Drought Resistant

• In the harsh desert, the cactus is a survivor, requiring minimal irrigation. When added to the desert landscape, it is a maintenance free plant, requiring no pruning, trimming and rarely needs fertilization. When adding a cactus to a desert garden, it isn't necessary to add an irrigation system. In fact, turn off a bubbler located near a cactus, as too much water can harm the plant. Cactus, like the ocotillo, adapts to long periods of draught by shedding its leaves to conserve moisture.

Blossoms and Thorns

• Most, not all cacti, have clusters of spines. While the spinier varieties are not suitable for planting near walkways or a yard with pets or children, even the most prickly cactus varieties serve a purpose in the garden, as they provide a decorative barrier, preventing intruders from crossing their sharp paths. Flowering varieties add color and interest to a desert garden with minimal effort. The Engelmann's hedgehog, covered with wicked spines, shields an area from casual trespassers. Come spring, the plant produces vivid magenta flowers.

Wildlife

• Cacti provide a haven and source of nourishment to wildlife. Birds and other creatures make their nests in cacti, or like the Gila Woodpecker or Elf Owl, hollow them out to make their homes. Animals seek refuge and shelter in their nooks and crevices and eat the fruit produced by the plants. The prickly pear provides cover for the desert tortoise and other reptiles. Nectar from the saguaro flower provides nutrition for bats and birds, and many animals eat its seeds.

Human Use

• You can turn the fruit of the saguaro cactus into wine and jelly and grind its seeds to make an edible meal. Other edible cacti fruit include the strawberry hedgehog, Texas barrel, Indian fig, Barbados gooseberry, Blue Myrtle, Escontria chiotilla. Native Americans use the fruit from some cacti to make sweet candy. Artisans fashion the dead branches of the cane cholla for furniture, while some cactus types provide lumber. Spines of the barrel cactus are fashioned into fish hooks. Cacti parts serve medicinal purposes, such as the stem from the senita, which is used to treat cancer and diabetes.