7 things that you probably didn't know about the Cactus plants ~ <b> Axis wallpapers </b>

Saturday 4 May 2019

7 things that you probably didn't know about the Cactus plants

By Nojno Vipan May 04, 2019 No comments

Coming in different shapes and sizes, cacti are wonderful plants that belong to a Cactaceae family. With over 1700 different species, they are the true wonder of the world.

Most of these plants live in habitats subject to at least some drought, they are native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia all the way up to western Canada. Today, with modern ways of cultivation they are present all over the world.

Cacti in vase

1. They are succulent plants

In botany, succulent plants or succulents, are plants that have some parts that are more than normally thickened and fleshy, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word "succulent" is derived from Latin and it means juice or sap. This amazing feature allows cacti to survive long periods of drought.

Thickened and fleshy (succulent) parts of the plant

2. Some of them are important food source

Some of the cacti, such as Indian fig cactus, have been an important source of food. In the past, they were collected, but today they are cultivated. In general, almost any fleshy cactus fruit is edible. For example, the fruit of suguaro has long been important to the indigenous peoples of northwestern Mexico.

3. Some cacti contain psychoactive agents

A number of species of cacti contain psychoactive agents. They are chemical compounds that can cause changes in mood, perception, and cognition through their effects on the brain. Some of these species have a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Peyote is just one example, it is in use for more than 5.500 years ago. This cactus is perceived as a means of accessing the spirit world. This plant played such a great roll in Spanish conquest that Roman Catholic church tried to suppress its use in the early 20th century.

4. They can grow up to 18 meters!

Pachycereus pringlei, commonly known as elephant cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to northwestern Mexico. They are the tallest cactus species in the world, with the maximum recorded height of incredible 19.2 meters.

This is a slow-growing plant with a lifespan measured in hundreds of years. Most adult cordons have several side branches that may be as massive as the trunk, this could result in it weighing more than 25 tons!

Elephant cacti can grow up to 19 meters!

5. They have healing properties

Opunita, commonly called prickly pear cactus is just one genus of cacti that are known to have healing properties. In some parts of the world, these cacti are eaten as a vegetable and can be bought in restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets. They can be eaten as part of many dishes, juice or even raw. They are also used to treat glaucoma, wounds, fatigue, liver conditions and even ulcers. Fresh nopal juice has been known to lower blood sugar, heal wounds and lower cholesterol.

Opunita or prickly pear, cactus with many healing propertives

6. Cacti spines are actually modified leaves

Most of the species of cacti have lost their true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves. As well as defending against herbivores, spines also prevent water loss.

They do it by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade. Since they lost leaves, their stem contains chlorophyll which is crucial for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a reason why most stems of the cacti are green colored.

Cactus spines that are actually modified leaves

7. Even the smallest species have large roots

Most of the cacti have roots that spread out widely, but only penetrate a short distance into the soil. The reason behind this is their geographical location. As we mentioned earlier, cacti usually live in dry places, so when it rains they need to collect as much water as possible and that is more achievable by spreading roots widely. They can also form new roots quickly when rain falls after a drought .