How does a cactus grow in the Sahara?

Answer 1

A cactus isn't native to the Sahara Desert. One challenge is the sandy terrain, which may drain way too fast and hold not enough moisture for cactus plants. Another is represented by the high heat and light levels. Temperatures may be too wide ranging for a cactus plant's vulnerability to scorching and freezing at the extremes.

Otherwise, it's possible that desert and jungle cactus plants may handle the most hospitable environments of desert oases. A jungle cactus may be able to find a tree on which to anchor, as it does in the subtropics and tropics. In this way, its airy roots are in the humid, shaded environment that they're used to in a jungle.

Clarification:

Cacti are natives of the Americas, they are not native to Africa.

Answer 2

Cacti are only native to the Americas and do not grow naturally in the Sahara. Any cacti seen in the Sahara are transplants and invasive species.

Answer 3

No, cacti are natives to the Americas only. If any are found in the Sahara they were planted there and not natural.

Answer 4

Cacti are native only to the Americas. Any cacti that might be found in the Sahara are transplants, probably prickly pear, that can quickly become a pesky invasive weed.

Answer 5

If there are any cacti in the Sahara, they are not a natural occurrence and had to have been planted by man. Cacti only grow naturally in the Americas.