The west wing is devoted to the Desert Plants. In this wing you will find a variety of different cacti and succulent species found in dry, arid regions around the world. One of the most unusual desert plants you will discover in the west wing of the Conservatory is the Variegated Century Plant, which in bloom, can reach 20-40 feet in height. When this plant goes dormant, it loses all of its leaves. It contains a secretion that may be irritating and should be washed off if it gets onto your skin.
Cactus candy is made from the stems.
The spines have a golden color. The blooming stem reaches 20-40 feet in height. It is related to the amaryllis and is native to Mexico. It has very small, easily detached, barbed spines called glochids, which can irritate the skin. The Desert Pool provides habitat for species of plants and insects.