What are the two features of the cactus that help it to survive in the dessert?

Cacti have specialized adaptations that enable them to thrive in desert environments. Firstly, their thick, fleshy stems store water, allowing them to survive long periods of drought. Secondly, they possess a waxy coating on their surface, which minimizes water loss through evaporation and helps retain moisture. Additionally, many cacti have spines instead of leaves, which further reduces water loss and provides protection from herbivores.