The plant is the saguaro cactus. It stores water in its thick, expandable stem and is one of the most iconic plants of the Sonoran Desert.

Why this one

  • It can absorb water quickly after rare rain.
  • Its stem swells as it stores moisture, then shrinks during dry periods.
  • It has shallow, wide roots that help catch surface water fast.

Simple answer

If you need just the name, use: saguaro cactus.

Related plants

Other Sonoran Desert succulents also store water, including agave and some cholla species, but the saguaro is the best-known example.