1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation. Not only do desert cacti provide splendid beauty to the desert scenery when the spring time blossoms come, but they are historically a source of food, tools, and adornment to native desert peoples. Spines become needles for sewing, or interesting pieces in the creation of jewelery. Ribs become all manner of tools, and even support pieces in home construction. The fruit and meat of many cati can be eaten.
Many local people grow prickly pear in their yard.
The new growth provides tender meats for the skillet. The Chihuahua Desert is more of a scrub desert than not. Species inlclude brittle, burro, cheese, bladder pod, and other such species of brushy bush. Mesquite bush is abundant here. Its beans are a historic source of sustenance to native peoples.