Located in Africa, the Sahara Desert sprawls over 3.5 million square miles. According to Geology.com, the desert occupies portions of Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia.
Considered one of the hottest areas in the world, the Sahara Desert features an average year-round temperature of 86-degrees Fahrenheit. The hot temperatures and extremely dry climate make it a difficult environment for animals and plants.
As explained by the People's Trust for Endangered Species, an "endangered" plant refers to "a species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild because of low or declining numbers or a small range." According to GardenGuides.com, the endangered plants in the Sahara Desert include the leopard orchid and umbrella thorn.
Vibrant clumps of leopard orchids grow in subtropical trees in Southern Africa. The plant's roots absorb water and nutrients quickly, allowing it to survive in the dry desert environment. However, it requires frequent watering and gentle care during its first few months of development. The desert environment makes proper growth difficult, which has resulted in its endangerment.
With a wide, spreading crown of leaves that give this tree its umbrella shape, the umbrella thorn tree remains one of the most widely recognized trees in the Sahara Desert. While various animals feed on the leaves, flowers and fruits, humans use the timber for several purposes. These habits have unfortunately led to its endangerment.
