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They live in very hot climates, and so there is a lack of water around.
Therefore, they need to retain as much water as possible to help them stay alive.


The waxy layer helps reduce water loss from the cacti.

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14y ago
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11y ago

the cactus plant has got thick waxy layer to reduce transpiration and loss of moisture

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14y ago

A thick waxy coating on any part of a plant is usually there to control the evaporation of water.

It is also useful in warding off insects and diseases

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13y ago

To restrict the evaporation of water from their free surface.

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12y ago

So they can retain as much water as possible in a dry environment. The waxy coating helps to avoid too much water loss.

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15y ago

to help stop evaporation

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13y ago

To help the cactus conserve water.

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14y ago

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Edwin Escobar-Orrego

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3y ago

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Q: Why is there a waxy layer on a cactus stem?
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Related questions

How do cactus save water?

Cactus have a waxy layer on them to prevent water loss and reduce transpiration


What type of tissue is cactus covered with a waxy layer?

protective


Why does a cactus have thick stem?

Enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis and store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of a true cactus where this takes place. Much like many other plants that have waxy coatings on their leaves, Cacti often have a waxy coating on their stems to prevent water loss. This works by preventing water from spreading on the surface and allowing water to trickle down the stem to be absorbed by the roots and used for photosynthesis. Cacti have a thick, hard-walled, succulent stem - when it rains, water is stored in the stem. The stems are photosynthetic, green, and fleshy. The inside of the stem is either spongy or hollow (depending on the cactus). A thick, waxy coating keeps the water inside the cactus from evaporating.


What is a structural adaptation of prickly pear cactus?

thick and waxy skin, spiky leaves, flexible stem and shallow roots.


How the waxy covering on a cactus helps it to prevent water loss?

A waxy stem helps a cactus survive by minimizing water loss. Water may be lost through evaporation under high heat or transpiration. A cactus' thickened stem decreases water loss and disperses harsh sunlight, be the surface glossy, leathery or waxy. The texture makes it difficult for water to enter through or escape from the stem. It also makes it difficult for the sun to burn or scorch the plant's surface.


Why can cactus plat survive in a dessert?

Cactus get by in deserts because of following variations: It has a level green stem to store water and plan food by photosynthesis. The stem is likewise covered with a thick waxy layer, which assists with holding water. Its underlying foundations dive deep into the dirt for engrossing water. Passes on transform into spines to forestall loss of water.


How can thick waxy skin help cactus survive?

A cactus' waxy skin helps it retain moisture in desert climates.


What is cactus that stores water in its stem called?

A cactus that stores water in its stem is called a stem succulent. The stem has tissues that are capable storing large quantities of water. The stem also has a thick waterproof epidermis covered by a waxy cuticle that prevents loss of water due by evaporation. Examples of stem succulents - Cardon Cactus, Organ Pipe Cactus, Saguaro Cactus


What can store water in a cactus?

A waxy coating


Why do cactuses have green stems?

Chlorophyll gives cactus stems their green color. A cactus has chlorophyll because of the stem's photosynthetic interaction with sunlight to make cactus foods. In many other plants, photosynthesis takes place in the leaves. But cactus needles don't offer a large enough surface for photosynthesis to take place or for photosynthetic byproducts to be stored. Instead, needles have reduced surface areas to stop surface evaporation of moisture. So photosynthesis instead must take place within the larger surface area of the stem.


Is the waxy layer thicker or thinner than the epidermis?

the waxy layer is thinner than the epidermis


Why does a cactus have a hollow stem?

cactus have a hollow stem. it is where they store water and food for survival