Cactus, Plants, and Care
Cacti are unusual and distinctive plants that have evolved in especially hot and arid environments. They are unique to the New World, most plants are located in Central America and the southern US. The archetypal cactus, the one that readily comes to mind with tall arms and lined with spikes is the Saguaro cactus which was popularized by many western films.
The Saguaro can grow up to 45 feet tall with a diameter of over 10 feet which is much taller than most cacti, but the Cardon cactus can grow over 75 feet tall and live for about 300 years. A saguaro cactus takes over 10 years before it rises even one foot off of the ground, but its root structure is about 10 feet in diameter. The wide range of the roots allows it to collect as much water as possible when it does rain. The roots are very shallow as well because rainfall does not have enough time to soak the soil before it evaporates. The roots are especially concentrated with salt which can allow a large cactus to store 3000 liters of water in a day, and many only need water two or three times a year. But they are extremely slow growing, a single arm of a saguaro can take over 75 years to form.
Cacti are in a group of plants known as succulents. Succulents store water in their leaves, roots or stems which can give them a swollen or fleshy appearance. Cacti have developed ways to conserve that water as much as possible. One development is less stomata, the holes that allow a plant to transpire, so less moisture is lost through the leaves. Often photosynthesis will take place in the stem of plant instead of the leaves which have evolved into spikes on cacti. Their form is also very conservative as well, they are often compact and cylindrical or even spherical and cushion like. The ribs on a cactus also enable it to have more surface area in the same amount of space, as well as provide more shade for the plant than a smooth surface. The hairs and spikes on the cactus can create a micro environment around the cactus which is more humid than the surrounding area.
Cacti are used for ornamental purposes, as natural fencing and home defense and they are also grown as a crop. As an ornamental plant they are very desirable because they are very easy to take care of. Some can be watered once a year, or even less. Often a cactus will go dormant until there is water available then burst back to life, albeit slowly. The cactus is an excellent plant for the absent minded gardener, but it can also provide a cheap and effective means of home and property protection.
A prickly pear cactus looks much like a ball and paddle game but covered in spikes. It grows quickly and in dense clumps. If planted on the border or a property it can create a fence that keeps animals and humans away. If planted around window sills and drain pipes it can deter home intruders as well. Prickly pear cactus also bears a delicious fruit that is responsible for over 150 million dollars of Mexico’s agriculture production. They are called cactus figs, or more interestingly dragons fruit because of its deep red color and slightly spiked surface. It is a sweet fruit that is used to flavor drinks and candy.
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