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Cacti



         


This article is about the desert plant. For the Texas town, see Cactus, Texas.

succulent plant belonging to the dicotyledonous flowering plant family, Cactaceae. Cacti are well-known natives of desert areas of the Americas. Many have become naturalized to similar environments in other parts of the world.

Like other succulents, cacti are well-adapted to life with little precipitation. The leaves have evolved into spines, which in addition to allowing less water to evaporate than regular leaves, defend the cactus against water-seeking animals. Photosynthesis is carried out by enlarged stems, which also store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of a true cactus where this takes place. Very few members of the family have leaves, and when present these are rudimentary and typically awl-shaped.

Cacti come in many varieties in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The Family Cactaceae (depending upon the authority) has between 24 and 220 genera (90 is perhaps a good number) with anywhere from 1,500 to 1,800 species. Some grow to great size. Some cacti produce beautiful flowers, which like spines and branches arise from areoles. Many cactus species are night-blooming, as they are pollinated by nocturnal insects or small animals, principally moths and bats.

A number of cactus species are cultivated for use as houseplants, as well as for ornamental gardens. They often form part of xerophilic (dry) gardens in arid regions. Some cacti bear edible fruit.

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Examples of popular cacti

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Genera





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