A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, source
A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae,
Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought. source
Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought.
The word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek κάκτος. source
The word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek κάκτος.
Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes. source
Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Cacti show many adaptations to conserve water. source
Cacti show many adaptations to conserve water.
Almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water. source
Almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water.
Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves. source
Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves.
Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Areoles are an identifying feature of cacti. source
Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Areoles are an identifying feature of cacti.
Many cacti have short growing seasons and long dormancies. source
Many cacti have short growing seasons and long dormancies.
Many cacti are able to react quickly to any rainfall. source
Many cacti are able to react quickly to any rainfall.
Cacti have a variety of uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage. source
Cacti have a variety of uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage.
Cochineal is the product of an insect that lives on some cacti. source
Cochineal is the product of an insect that lives on some cacti.
The 1,500 to 1,800 species of cacti mostly fall into one of two groups of "core cacti": opuntias (subfamily Opuntioideae) source
The 1,500 to 1,800 species of cacti mostly fall into one of two groups of "core cacti": opuntias (subfamily Opuntioideae)
Cacti show a wide variety of growth habits, which are difficult to divide into clear, simple categories. source
Cacti show a wide variety of growth habits, which are difficult to divide into clear, simple categories.
In most cacti, the areoles produce new spines or flowers only for a few years, and then become inactive. source
In most cacti, the areoles produce new spines or flowers only for a few years, and then become inactive.
The absence of visible leaves is one of the most striking features of most cacti. source
The absence of visible leaves is one of the most striking features of most cacti.
Many cacti have roots that spread out widely, but only penetrate a short distance into the soil. source
Many cacti have roots that spread out widely, but only penetrate a short distance into the soil.
