question: What feature allows the saguaro to collect water during rains? answer: Root system paragraph: Some plants do not get enough water. They live in places that are very dry. How can they get and keep water? Plants that are adapted to these dry places are called xerophytes. Their traits help them survive. They need to have a large water intake. They also need to be able to conserve water. They also need to be able to store water between rains. The saguaro cactus in Figure 3.10 has adapted in all three ways. This cactus has a huge root system. It allows the cactus to gather a lot of water during the rare rainfalls. The saguaro doesnt have any leaves. Leaves are where water can be lost. Not in this plant! It also has a large, barrel-shaped stem. It is here the plant can store a lot of water. Thorns protect the stem from thirsty animals. The animals might try to eat parts of the plant to get at the water inside the plant. 