Plants That Thrive Where Almost Nothing Else Can
Night-time photosynthesis, fog harvesting and trunks full of water: the strategies of desert survivors.
By Biosphere Editorial Team · 2026-08-19
In a desert, water is the limit on almost everything. The plants that live there have evolved remarkable ways to get it, store it and avoid losing it.
Breathing at night
Many succulents use a form of photosynthesis called CAM. They open the pores in their leaves (stomata) at night, when it is cooler and less water evaporates, store the carbon dioxide, and use it for photosynthesis during the day with their pores closed.
Catching fog
On the island of Socotra, the umbrella-shaped crown of the dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) captures moisture from mist and channels it toward the trunk, while also shading its roots.
Storing water
The baobab (Adansonia digitata) stores large amounts of water in its swollen trunk, which helps it survive long dry seasons on the African savanna.
A partnership with a moth
The Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) depends on yucca moths for pollination. The moths lay their eggs in the flowers; their larvae eat some of the developing seeds but leave enough for the tree to reproduce.