The plant known for its ability to survive in arid conditions is the cactus. Cacti have evolved numerous adaptations that allow them to thrive in dry environments, including a thick, waxy skin that reduces water loss, specialized shallow roots to absorb moisture quickly after rare rainfalls, and the ability to store water in their fleshy stems. Most cacti also utilize a unique photosynthetic process called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) to minimize transpiration, allowing them to photosynthesize at night when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher. This remarkable resilience makes cacti iconic symbols of desert landscapes.