Cacti -

Cacti are a diverse family of plants ( Cactaceae ) consisting of approximately 1,850 species across 150 genera, primarily native to the Americas. Known for their striking shapes and sharp spines, they have evolved over 20 to 35 million years to survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, from the arid Atacama Desert to the high-altitude Patagonian steppe. Key Characteristics and Evolution

To survive in hot climates, cacti use a specialized metabolic process called . Cacti are a diverse family of plants (

Cacti typically possess extensive but shallow roots that quickly absorb surface water from infrequent rainfall before it evaporates. The Science of Survival: CAM Photosynthesis Cacti typically possess extensive but shallow roots that

Nearly all cacti are , meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts designed for long-term water storage. Unlike most other plants, the stem is the primary site for both water storage and photosynthesis. meaning they have thickened

Gigantism, monstrosities, and growth control in cacti meristems

Most species have lost true leaves, replacing them with spines that grow from specialized buds called areoles . These spines protect the plant from herbivores, provide shade, and reduce air flow to minimize moisture loss.

A thick, waxy cuticle covers the stems to prevent evaporation.

Cacti are a diverse family of plants ( Cactaceae ) consisting of approximately 1,850 species across 150 genera, primarily native to the Americas. Known for their striking shapes and sharp spines, they have evolved over 20 to 35 million years to survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, from the arid Atacama Desert to the high-altitude Patagonian steppe. Key Characteristics and Evolution

To survive in hot climates, cacti use a specialized metabolic process called .

Cacti typically possess extensive but shallow roots that quickly absorb surface water from infrequent rainfall before it evaporates. The Science of Survival: CAM Photosynthesis

Nearly all cacti are , meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts designed for long-term water storage. Unlike most other plants, the stem is the primary site for both water storage and photosynthesis.

Gigantism, monstrosities, and growth control in cacti meristems

Most species have lost true leaves, replacing them with spines that grow from specialized buds called areoles . These spines protect the plant from herbivores, provide shade, and reduce air flow to minimize moisture loss.

A thick, waxy cuticle covers the stems to prevent evaporation.