More than 400 edible plants can be found in the Sonoran Desert.
The Saguaro Cactus can grow up to 50 feet tall and weigh 12 tons. They can live for 200 years. The first arms of the saguaro develop at age 75. It can have as many as 50 arms. The Sonoran Desert is the only place in the world where it grows.
The Prickley Pear Cactus has pear-shaped flat pads which serve as "water tanks". It has a waxy skin to keep it from drying out and to keep the water inside. They are among the fastest growing cacti.
Chollas are characterized by their many painful spines. They are the most common cacti in Arizona.
The Barrel Cactus holds water for many months, long after other plants have died. It's roots stretch out over long distances to quickly collect moisture when it appears. It is like a sponge on the inside.
The Organ Pipe Cactus is a rare giant with a system of pipe-like stems 5-25 feet high.
Mesquite Trees grow deep roots to tap sources of water far underground.
More than one fourth of Arizona's land area is covered by forests of aspen, birch, fir, spruce, oak and pine trees.
Arizona has the largest stands of ponderosa pine trees in the United States.
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