What kind of plant is a cactus? An introduction to plants in the cactus family

Other names for the cactus

The cactus is also called xianbazhang, huoyan, bawangshu, huozhang, and in places such as Quzhou it is also called niushedou.

Growth habits of the cactus

It is native to tropical and subtropical arid regions and desert regions. The soil in the air is extremely dry, and the cactus can only survive by relying on stored water.

It is native to the alpine arid regions of the tropics and subtropics. Water is extremely scarce here, and the arid temperatures are low. Succulent plants are relatively short, and their leaves are mostly rosette-shaped, reducing the evaporation of water by lessening the harm from strong alpine winds and intense light.

The species native to tropical rainforests do not grow in soil. They prefer to attach to tree trunks and rocks, and their habits are also close to those of epiphytic orchids.

Morphological characteristics of the cactus

It is a clumping fleshy shrub. The upper part is broad, obovate and nearly elliptical, with a rounded front end and irregular edges, and the whole plant is hairless; the spines are basically yellow, with thick drill-like pointed tips, curved inward, and flattened and short at the base.

Its seeds are mostly flat and round. They are hairless and pale yellow or brown. The flowering period is between June and December.

The flower language of the cactus

A strong heart, able to carry love through to the end.

An ancient saying goes: at the beginning of creation, the pad was soft; delicate as water, easily fallen.

The heart of the cactus is tough outside and soft inside.