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A cactus ( pl.: cacti, cactuses, or less commonly, cactus) [3] is a member of the plant family Cactaceae ( / kæˈkteɪsiaɪ, - siːiː / ), [a] a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1,750 known species of the order Caryophyllales. [4]
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- Physical characteristics
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cactus, (family Cactaceae), flowering plant family (order Caryophyllales) with nearly 2,000 species and 139 genera. Cacti are native through most of the length of North and South America, from British Columbia and Alberta southward; the southernmost limit of their range extends far into Chile and Argentina. Mexico has the greatest number and variet...
Cacti are succulent perennial plants. Cacti generally have thick herbaceous or woody chlorophyll-containing stems. Cacti can be distinguished from other succulent plants by the presence of areoles, small cushionlike structures with trichomes (plant hairs) and, in almost all species, spines or barbed bristles (glochids). Areoles are modified branches, from which flowers, more branches, and leaves (when present) may grow.
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Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous
In most species, leaves are absent, greatly reduced, or modified as spines, minimizing the amount of surface area from which water can be lost, and the stem has taken over the photosynthetic functions of the plant. Only the tropical genera Pereskia and Pereskopsis, both vines, have conventional-looking functional leaves, while the leaves of the Andean Maihuenia are rounded, not flattened. The root systems are generally thin, fibrous, and shallow, ranging widely to absorb superficial moisture.
Cacti vary greatly in size and general appearance, from buttonlike peyote (Lophophora) and low clumps of prickly pear (Opuntia) and hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus) to the upright columns of barrel cacti (Ferocactus and Echinocactus) and the imposing saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea). Most cacti grow in the ground, but several tropical species—including leaf cactus (Epiphyllum), Rhipsalis, and Schlumbergera—are epiphytes, growing on other plants; others live on hard substrates such as rocks, while yet others climb far up trees. Epiphytic species tend to have thin, almost leaflike flattened stems. The appearance of the plant varies also according to whether the stem surface is smooth or ornamented with protruding tubercles, ridges, or grooves.
The primary method of reproduction is by seeds. Flowers, often large and colourful, are usually solitary. All genera have a floral tube, often with many petal-like structures, and other less colourful and almost leaflike structures; the tube grows above a one-chambered ovary. A style topped by many pollen-receptive stigmas also arises from the top of the ovary. The fruit is usually a berry and contains many seeds. Soon after pollination, which may be effected by wind, birds, insects, or bats, the entire floral tube detaches from the top of the ovary to leave a prominent scar.
Cacti are widely cultivated as ornamentals. In addition, various species, notably prickly pears and chollas (Opuntia and Cylindopuntia, respectively), are cultivated as food. In Central and South America, species of Opuntia, Cereus, and others are used as living fences, and wood from columnar cacti is used as fuel in some desert regions. In times o...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Apr 9, 2024 · Wynonna Judd is married to Scott “Cactus” Moser, who was formerly the drummer for the band Highway 101 and now tours with his wife. A successful musician in his own right, he’s earned two...
Cactus is an American rock band formed in 1969. It is currently comprising Jimmy Kunes as lead singer, guitarist Paul Warren, drummer Carmine Appice, bassist Jimmy Caputo and Randy Pratt on harmonica. [1] [2] History. Original lineup and initial run (1969–1972)
Cacti are flowering plants that produce seeds. They are able to bloom every year, but they will produce an abundance of flowers in response to heavy rains. Flowers differ in appearance and scent to attract specific pollinators, such as insects and bats. Cacti are slow growers and can live for many years.
Jul 6, 2022 · Cacti are a type of plant that is known for its thick, fleshy stem and its spines. These plants are native to the deserts of North and South America, and have adapted to the dry, hot climate by...
May 1, 2022 · Celebrity. WITH THE BAND. Who is Wynonna Judd’s husband, Cactus Moser? Nina Clevinger. Published: 20:04 ET, May 1 2022. Updated: 16:28 ET, Apr 26 2023. WYNONNA Judd made up one-half of the award-winning country duo, The Judds. Her music partner and mother, Naomi Judd, passed away on April 30, 2022, from a battle with mental illness. 2.
