Why Do Cacti Store Water?

The spines on a cactus help to protect it from humans and animals. Its roots are spread out to collect water when it does rain and it stores water in its body for future use.

Why do cactus need to store water?

Cacti have many adaptations that allow them to live in dry areas; these adaptations let the plant collect water efficiently, store it for long periods of time, and conserve it (minimizing water loss from evaporation). Cacti have a thick, hard-walled, succulent stem – when it rains, water is stored in the stem.

Why do desert plants need to store water?

Answer: Cactus and other plants that store lots of water to help them through the dry seasons are called succulents. During even light rains, these plants soak up as much water as they can hold, storing the water in large storage areas in roots, leaves, or plant stems.