Native in Chile and Argentina C. Europe, Asia, and Africa 1. The only cacti possibly native to these areas are members of the tropical genus Rhipsalis . Many scholars, however, believe that these cacti were introduced to these areas and there are no cacti native to these areas. Cacti have adapted to the harsh and arid conditions of the desert. A. Cacti are able to store water in their sponge like tissue located in the pulpy stems.
Giant saguaros can weigh as much as five tons when filled with water.
B. Waxy skin cuts down the loss of water. C. Accordion-like ribs act as expansion mechanisms to store more water. Having few leaves or being leafless enables the cacti to transpire very small amounts of water into the air. E. Roots grow horizontally and shallow in the ground enabling them to sop up moisture from even the lightest rains. F. Spines and thorns prevent attacks from animals and insects.