Cactus Are A Mainstay Of Deserts

Environments like deserts, dry areas, and semi-barren regions receive less rainfall than other parts of the country, making water scarcity a common problem in these areas. The plants which inhabit these environments have had to adapt to these conditions in order to survive. Desert plants-known as xerophytes-are most often succulents that have reduced, thick leaves. The most important cactus adaptations are the ones that allow them to conserve water, such as having reduced leaves. Reduced leaves means reduced surface area, whether by making leaves shorter and thicker, or longer and thinner. This means less water is lost to the atmosphere through evaporation. For the most part, there are two types of cactus plants, the desert cactus plant and the household cactus plant. The desert cactus plant grows in the desert and can really 'stick it' to anyone unfortunate enough to walk into it. This plant is very sharp and can be painful. For that reason, most people prefer to admire these plants from afar. In other words, look with the eyes and not with the hands. These beautiful cactus plants are definitely more beautiful left in their own surroundings.

We know that this is an evolutionary adaptation because of what we see under the microscope. Some other species of cactus have microscopic phloem, xylem and stomata, just like non-succulent plants. There are also ephemeral leaves in some of the cactus species, but these leaves don't last for long during the early development stages of the stem. Opuntia Ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) is an excellent example of cactus species which has ephemeral leaves as a result of evolution. For the most part, more people are finding room for them in their homes or on display in gardens. Their popularity is due in fact to their resilience. As most people know cactus plants are very resilient and are one of only a few types of plants that can survive in dry and hot climates, or without being watered on a daily basis. This ability has made cactus plants very popular among a variety of people, especially single working adults.

Cactus are a mainstay of deserts, and other places with very dry climates. Cactus plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types. Cactus plants from deserts most often are very plump and spiny. Whereas, cactus plants found in jungles or other environments of this type are somewhat thin and spineless. Some cactus adaptations include spines which let out less water during transpirations then leaves. Spines grow from specialized structures called areoles, and defend the cactus from water-seeking animals. A few members of the spine-cactus family have rudimentary leaves which fall off once the cactus has matured. There are cactus plants that have adaptations such as enlarged stems which carry out photosynthesis and store water. These species of cacti (known as succulents) are coated with a waxy substance coated that prevents water evaporation. It helps prevent water from spreading on the surface, instead forcing water down the stem and into the roots. Cacti have hard-walled, thick succulent stem which stores water when it rains and keeps water from evaporating.