Cactus Gardening

To protect it from predators in the desert.(: and to reduce the rate of transpiration. In many cases the thorn are formed by the modification of shoot , Thus eliminating the leaves hence the free surface to minimize the transpiration.)

Yes, cacti are dicots. Dicots are a type of flowering plant that have two seed leaves, whereas monocots have one seed leaf. Cacti belong to the class Magnoliopsida, which includes dicots.

Cacti have fleshy stems to store water in arid environments, helping them survive long periods of drought. This adaptation allows cacti to minimize water loss and thrive in dry conditions, making them well-suited for deserts and other water-scarce habitats.

Cactus roots grow close to the surface to quickly absorb any moisture from rain or dew before it evaporates in arid environments. This adaptation helps them survive in dry conditions with limited access to water. Additionally, shallow roots allow cacti to anchor themselves securely in the sandy or rocky soils commonly found in their native habitats.

Many young cacti get their start under shade trees (like mesquite or palo verde trees). Others begin growing between rocks or boulders, which protect them from the sun or being walked on by people or animals.

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.

Sharp spines can limit the surface area available for photosynthesis, reducing the plant's ability to produce energy. Additionally, spines can potentially injure animals, making it harder for them to access the plant for pollination or seed dispersal. Lastly, spines can also limit the amount of shade a cactus can provide for other plants in its environment.

Cactus roots are shallow and spread out widely to help the plant quickly absorb water in arid environments. The roots also have specialized adaptations, such as the ability to store water and prevent loss through evaporation, which help cacti survive in their dry habitats.

Yes it can ... particularly if it becomes embedded under the skin. The body will make every effort to consume foreign items, such as thorns for instance, and if that thorn is infected in any way, the surrounding tissues can also become infected, causing what the medical community calls a skin ulcer. At that point, surgery may be required to cleanse the wound site from the infection and hopefully removed the thorn. Best advice is to have the thorn removed by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Cacti typically bloom in response to specific triggers like temperature, light, or water availability. Once these triggers are met, the cactus will produce flower buds, which eventually blossom into flowers. Cactus flowers are usually brightly colored to attract pollinators like bees or birds.

Yes there is several prickly pears and some others that are hardy well below freezing, as long as they are well drained and dont stay moist for too long they should be fine. the cold and snow arent what is gonna kill it but the moist soil will make it rot. Planting them in a raised bed with a soil mix designed for cacti should help and they will do fine

As in sewing needles or pinhead needles - no. But they're long, narrow and really pointy, which make them very much like needles.

Cacti are members of the plant family Cactaceae, which is found naturally only in the Americas and on nearby islands. They range from southern Canada to southern Argentina and can be found coast to coast in both North America and South America. The centers of diversity for the family are in Mexico and in South America south of the Amazon Basin. One species of "Mistletoe Cactus" (Rhipsalis baccifera) that grows mostly as an "epiphyte" in trees, is found naturally in tropical regions scattered around the globe. It is believed to have been spread, most likely by birds, from the Americas, where it originated. Other species, mostly Pricklypears (of the genus Opuntia) have been introduced more recently by humans into areas with suitable climates around the world, and have become weeds in a few regions.

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.

Pachycereus pringlei, also known as Mexican Giant Cardon or Elephant Cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to northwestern Mexico and grows to 63 feet in height, the largest in the world.

Cacti are well adapted to deserts due to their water-storing ability in their thick, fleshy stems and spines that help reduce water loss by providing shade and reducing air flow around the plant. Their shallow, widespread root system allows them to quickly absorb water after a rain event, and their ability to conduct photosynthesis at night reduces water loss through transpiration during the day.

Cactus plants grow natively in the southwestern United States of America. But they may be found throughout the dry, hot Great Plains' states all the way to North Dakota. Additionally, they may be grown inside in many of the states as long as levels of heat, humidity, light, and moisture are controlled and monitored.

Saguaro cacti occupy the ecological niche of desert plants, specifically in the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They provide food and shelter for various species such as birds, bats, and insects. Their tall, columnar shape allows them to store water and provide shade for other desert organisms.

Temperature can be a limiting factor for cacti in deserts because extreme heat can lead to dehydration and damage the plant's tissues. Cacti are adapted to hot desert climates, but if temperatures become too high, the plant may struggle to conserve water and photosynthesize effectively. Additionally, freezing temperatures can also harm cacti by causing damage to their cells if not properly insulated or protected.

Phototropism is the type of growth that the desert cactus plant shows above ground. It grows in response to the high levels of heat and light in the desert. The above ground parts are called the shoots, and the below ground roots. The roots grow in response to the search for moisture in the soil.

Some cacti can be eaten, such as the prickly pear. However, there are a number of species of cactus that have toxic or hallucinogenic properties that can make ingestion a less than pleasant experience. Both the tender young pads as well as the fruit of the prickly pear are eaten by many people in Mexico as well as in the southwestern United States. The pads are called nopales and the fruit tunas and both are frequently sold in markets and grocery stores in these regions. They can be eaten raw (after removing the tiny spines called glochids) or cooked.

Cacti are found throughout the state of Arizona. Some common places to find cacti in Arizona include the Sonoran Desert, Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and various other desert regions within the state.

Cacti are primarily plants found in the Americas. Some have been taken to other areas of the world and introduced where they quickly become noxious invasive plants. Various prickly pear species are the prime culprits.