Desert plants with needles

CACTI

These spiky succulents store water in their thick stems and often bloom with vibrant flowers in arid regions.

The clue "Desert plants with needles" points to "cacti" because these plants thrive in arid environments and are known for their sharp spines, often called needles. The word "needles" is a straightforward hint at the cactus's defining feature, making the answer a direct match. Since "cacti" is the plural of "cactus," it fits neatly into most crossword grids.