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.
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
The external parts of a stem include the epidermis (outermost layer), the cortex (region beneath the epidermis), vascular bundles (tissue that transports water and nutrients), and the cuticle (waxy layer that helps prevent water loss).
Cactus plants have adapted to survive in a desert environment by storing water in their fleshy stems and reducing water loss through specialized features like a thick waxy outer coating. They have shallow but extensive root systems to quickly absorb water after infrequent rainfalls, and their needle-like spines help reduce water loss by providing shade and reducing airflow around the plant. Additionally, cactus plants have evolved to perform photosynthesis at night when temperatures are lower, reducing moisture loss through open stomata during the day.
The waxy layer, called the cuticle, is usually thinner than the epidermis in most plant leaves. It functions to reduce water loss and protect the plant from external factors such as pests and pathogens.
a PTO steam named Kale its a stem found in cold deserts and has been named Kale from the oldest cactus in the world of deserts this is one of the most commonest stem that has ever been found i think this stem is gonna be really helpful in a few years time and I'm glad you are so found of this...question from ...
Cactus have a waxy layer on them to prevent water loss and reduce transpiration
The stem of a cactus is typically thick and succulent, allowing it to store water during times of drought. This adaptation helps the cactus survive in arid environments by providing a reserve of water for times when it is scarce. Additionally, the stem is often covered in a waxy layer to reduce water loss through evaporation.
protective
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.
thick and waxy skin, spiky leaves, flexible stem and shallow roots.
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.
A cactus' waxy skin helps it retain moisture in desert climates.
A waxy coating
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
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.
cactus have a hollow stem. it is where they store water and food for survival
The waxy transparent layer of leaves prevents water evaporation.