What Is the Meaning of Cacti?
Cacti is the pluralized version of cactus, a succulent xerophyte plant (a plant adapted to living in a dry arid habitat). Cacti have evolved over the centuries to adapt to their water-barren surroundings, allowing their stems to store water and nutrients for an extended period of time. There are also known for their long life span--many survive for 50 to 200 years.
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Size
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An example of a small cactus plant.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of João Paulo Corrêa de Carvalho
The size of cacti range from one inch to 60 feet, according to Eduscapes.com.
Types
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An example of a species of cacti.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Randy
There are nearly 2,000 different species of cacti, ranging from starfish shaped plants to huge green stalks.
Parts
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The areoles pictured here bear sharp spines.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
Cacti typically have a thick, fleshy stem, which acts as a reservoir for water. The small, cushion-like structures on the stem are called areoles, which bear spines or flowers.
Locations
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An example of a cactus found in the southwestern United States.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
According to Dalhousie University, cacti are commonly found in Mexico, the southwestern United States, central and western Canada, Central America, the Gulf Islands, the Galapagos Island near South America and in West Africa.
Growth
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Young cacti plants grow one inch within a year. Older plants grow slightly faster, or three to four inches every year.
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Related Searches
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of r-z Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of João Paulo Corrêa de Carvalho Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Randy Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
