Bajada
Cacti thrive in the well-drained soils of the bajadas, where water sinks quickly below the surface. These desert plants are specially adapted to dry conditions, storing moisture in their thick, fleshy stems so they can endure long periods without rain. Their spines serve as protection from both intense sunlight and hungry animals. Yet cacti are not beyond the reach of desert life. Some animals feed on the succulent beavertail, Opuntia basilaris, despite its defenses. Many birds also make use of cactus plants, nesting among the sharp spines of cholla species, Opuntia sp., where they find shelter from predators. In this way, cacti are not only survivors of the desert but also an important part of the larger bajada community.
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For information on how bajadas are formed, see Pediments and Alluvial Fans.