The Southwestern United States is experiencing increasingly frequent and severe heat waves, which are damaging desert plants known for their resilience. Saguaro cacti, agave, and other species are suffering from persistent extreme heat, with experts trying to determine how hot is too hot for these plants. Horticulturalist Norm Schilling in Las Vegas has observed heat damage in various plants, including sunburned leaves, dieback in branches, and severe decline in trees. The city has broken heat records this summer, with temperatures soaring to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and lasting for weeks on end. Ecologists are studying the effects of heat stress on desert ecosystems, with a notable increase in saguaro cactus mortality beginning in 2020. The intense heat and prolonged heat waves are causing distress and potential die-off in many desert plants, challenging long-standing beliefs about their ability to withstand harsh conditions. The changing climate is shifting the ground beneath their feet, and researchers are working diligently to understand how different species respond to these extreme conditions to mitigate further damage and loss in the future.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com