Common Name: Beaver Tail Cactus Plant Species: Opuntia basilaris Family: Cactaceae Photographer: Calvin J. Hamilton Copyright: © 2005 Calvin J. Hamilton Date: 2005/04/14 Location: Valley of Fire, Nevada

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During summer months the Beaver Tail cactus pads shrivel as the plant loses water. When it rains, the root system takes up water from the ground the the pads fill once again with water. The spines provide protection from plant-eating animals.