many plant families have multiple succulents found within them (over 25 plant families). in some families, such as aizoaceae, cactaceae, and crassulaceae, most species are succulents. the habitats of these water preserving plants are often in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall, such as deserts. succulents have the ability to thrive on limited water sources, such as mist and dew, which makes them equipped to survive in an ecosystem which contains scarce water sources.