Many birds build nests in cactus stems. Certain woodpeckers live inside the larger species. Birds and animals may hide from enemies in the stems of a cactus plant. Cactuses also provide food for people. After the spines are scraped off, prickly pear stems can be fried and eaten.
Some people eat cactus fruits, or grind the seeds into a kind of meal for cakes.
Some cactuses are important in the production of a red food dye. Certain cactuses can be used for lumber. People in all parts of the world grow cactus plants for sale. Sometimes people dig cactus plants out of natural areas to sell. This practice, called cactus rustling, is illegal in Arizona and New Mexico.