Cactusplent

The cactusplent split from its ancestor the pineplent. It has lost its branches and now has tall saguaro-like trunks. Since it lost its leaves it now has to photosynthesize on its trunk; this loss of leaves conserves water in the arid desert climate. To protect itself it has developed needle-like thorns around the stem. It no longer needs the thick layer of blubber like its ancestor had, however it is still insulated from the hot days and cold nights. Even though it still breathes out of the top nostril, its breath is very dry and hardly loses any moisture. Its roots are covered in thick bark to keep herbivores from eating them.