Desert plants have made a number of adaptations to exist in the inordinately rough desert climate . In addition to dealing with the want of water system , the extreme temperatures and the red-hot sun , they also have to deal with animal , worm and birds that recognize them as a beginning of wanted water . Fortunately , many have made adaptations for these problems , too .
Alkaloid Poisoning
Many desert plant contain alkaloid , which are compounds that check salts and nitrogen . These plants – in almost any growth stage – are highly vicious to animal and can make violent , aflutter system of rules reaction and last when even the modest amounts are consumed . More than 100 separate species of desert plants containing alkaloids have been discovered , include senecio , crimson spot rock rose , threadleaf groundsel , desert tobacco and pot . Some plant life contain alkaloids in a smaller amount , making their toxicity lower . However , these plants can still be grave if enough flora affair is have . Such plants let in mescaline ( which , in addition to its dimension as a hallucinogen has also been known to do paralysis , regurgitation , tremors and difficulty breathing ) .
Organic Acids
industrial plant such as greasewood , Russian thistle and Gambel oaks contain the most plebeian kind of poison discover in desert plants – organic pane . These acids can not be digested by animals that consume them , and stimulate gripes and finally kidney unsuccessful person . Russian thistle is a common flora in the southwestern United States . aboriginal to southeastern Russia and division of Siberia , it was bring to the United States by immigrants , when it became more commonly concern to as tumbleweed . An extremely hardy plant , step have been take to contain the growth and breeding of Russian cactus . In addition to gag other plants grow near it , it has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people who have been exposed to it .
Carnivorous Plants
There are a number of desert plants who defend against insect infestation by consuming their would - be predators . The byblis , a desert plant native to Australia , with prospicient , lissom leave of absence , secretes a substance that traps insects on its leave of absence . The byblis is similar to the American sundew , which has leaves that wrap themselves around the captured insects before digesting them . Some of the bromeliads – common desert plants with thick , heavy leaves – are carnivorous as well ( e.g. , Catopsis tillandsioideae ) .
