The male part produces a yellow powder called pollen. For a cactus to reproduce, its pollen must fertilize an egg cell in the female part of the plant. Insects, birds, or bats are attracted to the bright colors or the scent of the flowers. As they feed, these creatures carry pollen from one part of the plant to the other. The process is called pollination.
Cactuses are important to animals and people.
Small animals, insects, and birds feed on the stems and flowers of cactuses. Many birds build nests in cactus stems. Certain woodpeckers live inside the larger species. Birds and animals may hide from enemies in the stem of a cactus plant. Cactuses also provide food for people.