Plants in the Sonoran Desert conserve water by storing it in their leaves.

Many plants in the Sonoran Desert, such as cacti, have adapted to conserve water in extreme heat and aridity. They do this by storing water in their leaves, stems, or other parts of their structure. For example, cacti have thick, fleshy stems that act as water storage organs. This allows them to survive long periods of drought. Additionally, these plants often have waxy coatings or small leaves to minimize water loss through transpiration. This ability to store water ensures that the plants can endure the harsh desert environment, where rainfall is scarce.