Cactus plants usually consist of spiny stems and roots and thrive in climates such as Fuerteventura. The stems of cacti are usually swollen and fleshy, adapted to water storage, and many are shaped in ways that cause rain to flow directly to the root system for absorption. The roots form extensive systems near the soil surface, assuring the plant will absorb the maximum amount of water from a wide area.

There are many types of cactus on the island. The most popular being the 'Canary island thistle' (Caldron canard) a large sturdy plant with hefty spikes that prevents them being eaten by goats.

Another rare type of cacti is the Jandia thistle mainly found in the south of the island (Jandia) in the 'thistle fields(cardonales).

In the past fields of Cactus were grown to raise the Cochineal beetle which was used for food and drink dye.