About Cactus

The Cactus
Cactaceae comprising of more than 2000 species is one of the largest plant families. People either love them or hate them because of their spines, there is no in between. All Cacti plants can be classified as succulents because they store water in their bodies but all succulents are not cacti for example euphorbias, rassulas, agave etc. Succulent plants are xerophytes, plants able to escape or endure prolonged draught conditions. Succulents have the capacity to store water in swollen stems and roots. Although succulent plants and cacti do share some characteristics, cacti have certain features that distinguish them from other plant families, including other form of succulent plants. In natural habitat Cacti had been found in open in hilly areas and in jungles under the big trees. Most of the varieties had been discovered in Africa and south America.

Features of Cacti
Cacti are mainly round or cylindrical in shape, with a ribbed surface that allows for shrinkage as water is lost from the plant. Cacti have sharp and horny spines that deter animals from grazing. Cactus spines are in fact modified leaves that have evolved to cut down moisture loss in the usually dry conditions of their native environment. There is a considerable range of spine types and sizes. Cacti have other numerous distinguishing features but none of them is Common to the entire family.

In cacti the breathing pores enabling gas exchange are located deep inside the plant wall and tend to be less numerous than other plants.These pores generally open only at night, avoiding water evaporation in the heat of the day. Cacti is considered to be a Hardy plant which can tolerate excessive heat, live without water for long periods, and can be taken out from soil and re-potted after several days without any damage to the plant. Usually Cacti die due to excessive water.

Flowers of Cactus
Cactus flowers are like jewels, most beautiful and vivid in color but are very short lived. Many flowers last only one or two days while some are nocturnal opening in the middle of night and fading before dawn. People usually dislike Cactus because of their spines never having seen their flowers . A glimpse of the flowers may change their thinking about Cacti. The usual flower period is summer between May and August.Most common colors are pink, red and yellow.

Human use of Cacti
There is no particular use of Cacti plant except some are being used in medicines in the east while some plants are also cooked and eaten in some parts of the world. Fruit from some varieties are eaten fresh, cooked or dried. Fruit from Opuntia are consumed in many mediterranean countries. In Mexico the aromatic fruits of Ferocactus wislizenii are stewed, candied and made into sweets giving it the name of candy cactus.

However it is recommended that you should not taste any part of cactus unless you are sure that it is edible. Most of the cactus may be very dangerous to health if eaten.