Most people associate cacti solely with the Western desert.
The plants flourish in those arid conditions because their reduced leaf surfaces, extensive root systems and fleshy stems are specially made for water storage and retention. But cacti are also found in tropical jungles and on mountaintops, where they occasionally encounter snow. A large cluster of prickly pear cacti has a place of honor in the front yard. The cacti almost appear ready to encroach on the sidewalk. Or perhaps they just want passers-by to admire them and marvel at how well they're doing here in Kentucky, of all places.