Discussion Main / AllDesertsHaveCacti

I pulled the following from the Real Life folder. The fact that cacti nowadays may also grow in deserts that are not on the American continent as an invasive or transplanted species may warrant a mention, but this hodgepodge of unsorted information lacks proper organization and trimming.

• Various cactus species have been transplanted across the planet. The prickly-pear cactus, also known as the tzabar or sabra, has become known as emblematic of Israelis. It's native to southwestern North America, but don't go telling that to the hummus company.
  • It's also a beloved plant for the Berbers in Morocco, who have a lengthy tale about how Allah gave it to them thousands of years ago so they could survive being lost in the desert by eating its fruit. Never mention in their presence that it was introduced by the Spanish just a few centuries ago.
• After the 2004 tsunami, prickly pear cacti were found growing in southern India.
• Cacti may often be found growing in Southeast Asia. The Pitaya fruit, also known as Dragonfruit, is native to Mexico but was popular in Vietnam and Thailand.
• Incidentally, the deserts of America, Australia, and Africa all have their own unique range of desert flora found nowhere else on the planet. So you can even tell if they're doubling Australia for the Sahara if you know your plants.
  • Unless they are invading plants. Nopales and agaves (both American in origin) have successfully colonized parts of Australia and the Mediterranean.
  • Or transplants. Aloe plantations can be found in Australia.

This troper is from Arizona, but saw Saguaro cacti in Chinese cartoons, including an advertisement for the 2010 Expo, in Shanghai.

The author seems to have forgotten the coconut effect might also have something to do with this

I've seen plenty of old shows that just have the Arabian sand dunes. I've never seen a cactus in what's supposed to be the Sahara except in really old shows. So why is this called ALL Deserts have cacti, unless it applies to America?