The endemic Opuntia cactus (Opuntia echios) cactus growing in the Galapagos Island Archipelago, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador, South America

opuntia echios cactus galapagos endemic species spines biodiversity ecosystem sunlight flora south america archipelago unique nature growth plants desert herbaceous land survival adaptation thorns vegetation tropical species habitats conservation wildlife colorful spikes rare native geological endemic flora endemic fauna ecological balance habitats preservation natural beauty endemic plants wildlife preservation arid environment tropical ecosystems coexisting species natural habitats environmental science plant biology terrestrial ecosystems nature reserves sustainable practices