If a cactus didn't have thorns, it would lose its primary defense mechanism against herbivores. Without thorns, the cactus would be more vulnerable to being eaten by animals, which could lead to decreased survival and reproduction rates. Additionally, without thorns, the cactus might face increased competition from other plants, as it would lack the protective adaptations that help it thrive in harsh environments. Ultimately, this change could disrupt the local ecosystem and the balance of species that depend on the cactus for food and shelter.
The desert cactus
The desert cactus
The jumping cholla [Cylindropuntia bigelovii] doesn't need to launch its thorns. The thorns just loosen easily in response to strong wind events, or contact. The cactus is native to North America. In Mexico, it's found in the Sonoran Desert. In the U.S., it's found in Arizona, California, and Texas. It's also known by a number of common names, including the ironic Teddy Bear cholla.
No, cactus thorns do not cause warts. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, while cactus thorns are plant structures designed for defense and protection. If a cactus thorn pierces the skin, it may cause irritation or infection, but it will not lead to the development of warts.
The cactus is one of the few plants found in the desert, and in order to survive it needs a massive amount of water. Since it does not rain all year round in a desert, cacti store water when it does rain. So the needles on the cactus protect their water-rich flesh from other things in the desert.
cactus
defence. the cacti leaves are the thorns...
the thorns is a structural adaption of rose,cactus,bamboo
It's the thorns on cactus plants and roses that make them both difficult to hold. On both plants, the thorns serve to defend and protect the stem and the flower. But on the cactus, the thorn is a modified leaf. On a rose, the stem has both thorns and regular leaves.
no it is a mammle those thorns are really hairs
They vary in size from species to species and my be the size of nails or like small hairs.
The thorns on cacti are like seeds, if you want to reproduce a cactus you will probably need a green house, if you don't have a greenhouse you can take a plastic bag and poke small holes in it and drape it over the cactus. Cactus thorns are sharp and prickly they are a natural defence system.
The desert cactus
Cactus thorns are not safe to eat, as they are sharp and can cause injury to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Some cacti, like nopales from the prickly pear, have edible pads and fruit that can be consumed, but the thorns must be carefully removed before eating. It's important to differentiate between the edible parts of the cactus and the thorns. Always ensure that any cactus you intend to eat is properly prepared.
PRICKLY pear cactus
The desert cactus
The jumping cholla [Cylindropuntia bigelovii] doesn't need to launch its thorns. The thorns just loosen easily in response to strong wind events, or contact. The cactus is native to North America. In Mexico, it's found in the Sonoran Desert. In the U.S., it's found in Arizona, California, and Texas. It's also known by a number of common names, including the ironic Teddy Bear cholla.