4 Incredible Fruits That Grow in Desert & Thrive in Extreme Heat

Most people believe that desert is an unending and harsh landscape where plants would not thrive. In fact, when we look at deserts, it would seem like that; the infinite soil that is totally dry, absence of rainfall and excruciating heat. However, the truth is, like human beings, nature also has the ability to adapt in awe-inspiring ways. Not only does a lot of plants grow in the desert, they produce healthy and nutritious fruits too. Lets learn about them in this article.


This resilient plant provides nutritious fruits. Indeed, for centuries, it has been harvested by desert communities. Saguaro cactus plants generate tiny red coloured fruits on top of its large arms during the beginning of summer. Filled with a lot of small edible seed, this beautiful fruit is juicy and sweet.


Have you ever felt like losing energy and nutrition as a result of the scorching heat of the desert? Worry not, wolfberries will come to your rescue. These red coloured and tiny berries comes with a sweet taste. It can be taken in dried or fresh form. Usually seen growing on hardy shrubs, this wonder berry, is filled with Vitamins, mainly Vitamin A. Hence, desert tribes used to consume this item as a natural source of energy.

Like its name, Dragon fruit's appearance literally reminds us of a dragon. Having a strong pink coloured outer skin and a pulpy and light sweet interior, this fruit, could be seen growing on cactus plants. It is famous for adapting really well on rocky and dry places. The health benefits it gift us are numerous including antioxidants like Vitamin C, hydration and refreshment.


Traditionally considered as an important fruit in desert areas, mesquite pods, look like cocoa fruits. Mesquite tree is responsible for producing this iconic fruit. These large pods contain dry and sweet pulp. In fact, when these pods become fully mature, we can convert them into flour that can be used as a great source of natural sugars and protein.

These are 4 beautiful and very healthy fruits that you can find in deserts. When you travel to a desert next time, make sure that you spot them. Additionally, don’t let go of an opportunity to taste these wonder fruits.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best food to eat in extreme heat?
   In extreme heat, focus on hydrating foods with high water content like watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens.
2. What plants grow in a hot desert?
   Plants that grow in a hot desert include prickly pear cacti, tumbleweed, saguaro cactus and so forth .
3. What is the most heat tolerant plant?
   We can't pinpoint a single most heat tolerant plant. But lantana and hibiscus usually tops the list.