38 ANIMAL LIFE OF CARLSBAD CAVERN 



cane cactus, the thousand-headed cliff cactus, the 

 broad-bladed prickly pear, and numerous little pin- 

 cushion kinds, form conspicuous features of the desert 

 flora. Their wonderful flowers of bright crimson, deep 

 magenta, scarlet, orange, or yellow give brilliant touches 

 of color, and the ripe fruit of many species is extensively 

 eaten by native birds and mammals while several kinds 

 are relished by man. For storing plant food and 

 moisture and then waiting for another rain, no matter 

 how long, and patiently hoarding for the time of flower- 

 ing and fruiting, few plants can equal the cactus in its 

 perfect adaptation to desert conditions. Most of the 

 species are juicy and nutritious and would be eaten by 

 every hungry and thirsty creature, but for the armor of 

 keen spines. Their moisture would also be quickly 

 lost by evaporation but for the impervious covering of 

 cellulose, which all but prevents evaporation. Thus 

 armed and equipped they are fitted for desert life as are 

 few other plants. 



