They are multi-segmented cacti capable of moving around. Its spikes make it a dangerous foe. It is possible to knock away one of its segments (or have Yoshi eat it) without defeating it; only taking out the head will defeat it outright.
Pokeys found in the desert are typically yellow; other variants include Snow Pokeys, which are made of snow and (in Super Mario Maker 2) can be jumped on unlike their desert brethren.
