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Cactus
A cactus (: cacti, cactuses, or less commonly, cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae (), a family of the order Caryophyllales comprising about 127 genera with some 1,750 known species. The word ''cactus'' derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek word (''káktos''), a name originally used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant whose identity is now not certain. Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north, with the exception of ''Rhipsalis baccifera'', which is also found in Africa and Sri Lanka. Cacti are adapted to live in very dry environments, including the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Because of this, cacti show many adaptations to conserve water. For example, almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of most cacti ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Classification Of The Cactaceae
In 1984, the International Organization for Succulent Plant Study set up a working party, now called the International Cactaceae Systematics Group, to produce a consensus classification of the cactus family, down to the level of genus. Their classification has been used as the basis for systems published since the mid-1990s. Treatments in the 21st century have generally divided the family into around 125–130 genera and 1,400–1,500 species, which are then arranged in a number of Tribe (biology), tribes and Subfamily, subfamilies. However, subsequent Molecular phylogenetics, molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that a very high proportion of the higher taxon, taxa (genera, tribes and subfamilies) are not Monophyly, monophyletic, i.e. they do not contain all of the descendants of a common ancestor. , the internal classification of the family (biology), family Cactaceae remained uncertain and subject to change. A classification incorporating many of the insights from the mole ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Pereskioideae
A cactus (: cacti, cactuses, or less commonly, cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae (), a family of the order Caryophyllales comprising about 127 genera with some 1,750 known species. The word ''cactus'' derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek word (''káktos''), a name originally used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant whose identity is now not certain. Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north, with the exception of '' Rhipsalis baccifera'', which is also found in Africa and Sri Lanka. Cacti are adapted to live in very dry environments, including the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Because of this, cacti show many adaptations to conserve water. For example, almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of most cacti ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Carnegiea Gigantea
The saguaro ( , ; ''Carnegiea gigantea'') is a tree-like cactus species in the monotypic genus ''Carnegiea'' that can grow to be over tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California. Saguaro typically grow at elevations ranging from sea level to 4,500', although they may be found at up to 5,000'. The saguaro blossom is the state wildflower of Arizona. Its scientific name is given in honor of Andrew Carnegie. In 1933, Saguaro National Park, near Tucson, Arizona, was designated to help protect this species and its habitat. Saguaros have a relatively long lifespan, often exceeding 150 years. They may grow their first side arm around 75–100 years of age, but some never grow any arms. Arms are developed to increase the plant's reproductive capacity, as more apices lead to more flowers and fruit. A saguaro can absorb and store considerable amounts of rainwater, visib ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Opuntia
''Opuntia'', commonly called the prickly pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae, many known for their flavorful fruit and showy flowers. Cacti are native to the Americas, and are well adapted to arid climates; however, they are still vulnerable to alterations in precipitation and temperature driven by climate change. The plant has been introduced to parts of Australia, southern Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa. ''Prickly pear'' alone is more commonly used to refer exclusively to the fruit, but may also be used for the plant itself; in addition, other names given to the plant and its specific parts include ''tuna'' (fruit), ''sabra'', ''sabbar'', '' nopal'' (pads, plural ''nopales'') from the Nahuatl word , nostle (fruit) from the Nahuatl word , and paddle cactus. The genus is named for the Ancient Greek city of Opus. The fruit and leaves are edible. The most common culinary species is the "Barbary fig" ('' Opuntia ficus-indica ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ferocactus Hamatacanthus
''Ferocactus hamatacanthus'', commonly named Turk's head, is a barrel cactus in the tribe Cacteae. Description ''Ferocactus hamatacanthus'' forms to be solitary, usually a globular to oblong shape, and grows up to . This plant contains 13 ribs normally, but can sometimes be around 17. These ribs of the cactus are strongly tubercled and are generally to high. Its aeroles are large and to apart. There are about 12 radial spines, to long, that are acicular and terete. However, there are fewer central spines, only 4, that tend to be angled and elongated at around . One of the central spines is hooked at its apex as well. This cactus' flowers are large, usually to , and display a yellow color with an inner scarlet color in some forms. This cactus also produces a fruit that is oblong, to long, fleshy, edible, and a dark brown to drab-color (not red). In addition to these features, its seeds are pitted. Features ''Ferocactus hamatacanthus'' develops elongated glands, usually ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Disocactus Ackermannii
''Disocactus ackermannii'' commonly called red orchid cactus is an epiphytic cactus from tropical forests in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. In cultivation, it has been confused with ''Disocactus'' × ''jenkinsonii'', a hybrid between '' D. phyllanthoides'' and '' D. speciosus''. Description The stems of ''Disocactus ackermannii'' consist of a short rounded base, about long, followed by longer flattened leaf-like portions, long and wide with wavy edges. The plant branches from the base and arches downwards, being altogether some long. The scarlet flowers have greenish throats and are funnel shaped, or even longer and up to across. The filaments are red but the base is usually greenish. The anthers are pale rose. The style are red. The stigma is purplish. Fertilized flowers are followed by green to brownish red fruits, long and wide. Range and habitat ''Disocactus ackermannii'' is native to the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz in southern Mexic ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cactoideae
The Cactoideae are the largest subfamily of the cactus family, Cactaceae, and are widely distributed throughout the Americas. Cactaceae is the 5th most endangered plant or animal family evaluated globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Around 80% of cactus species belong to this subfamily. The genera of the Cactoideae are characterized by microscopic foliage leaves. All photosynthesis occurs in shoot cortex cells covered by a persistent epidermis and stomata. Another important characteristic of this subfamily is ribbed stems, which enable the inner cortex to expand radially without breaking the shoot surface to absorb large quantities of water.Mauseth, J. D. (2006). Structure–function relationships in highly modified shoots of Cactaceae. ''Annals of Botany, 98''(5), 901-926. , the internal classification of the family Cactaceae remained uncertain and subject to change. A classification incorporating many of the insights from the molecular studies was pr ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Echinopsis Oxygona
''Echinopsis oxygona'', also known as Eyries cactus, Easter lily cactus or sea-urchin cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae, native to south Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Some species that have been described separately, including ''Echinopsis eyriesii'' and ''Echinopsis tubiflora'', Pages 265–266, 285. are now considered to be Synonym (taxonomy), synonymous. The features of the species include a large flower, with sharply pointed lavender or white petals, and a sweet scent. Description ''Echinopsis oxygona'' grows singly or in groups. The spherical to short cylindrical, dark green shoots reach heights of up to with a diameter of up to . There are 8 to 18 ribs. The white to tan, gray or black areoles are up to apart. The Thorns, spines, and prickles#Spines, spines that emerge from the areoles vary in size and number. In plants that have been treated as ''E. eyriesii'', there are 10–15 very short spines. In plants ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Melocactus Intortus
''Melocactus intortus'', also known as the Turk's head cactus, is a species of cactus endemic to the Caribbean. Etymology The Turks Islands in the Turks and Caicos are named after this cactus, whose red cephalium resembles the fez worn by Turkish men in the late Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire (), also called the Turkish Empire, was an empire, imperial realm that controlled much of Southeast Europe, West Asia, and North Africa from the 14th to early 20th centuries; it also controlled parts of southeastern Centr .... A stylised version of the cactus appears prominently on the coat of arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands. References intortus Flora of the Caribbean {{Cactus-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Selenicereus Grandiflorus
''Selenicereus grandiflorus'' is a cactus species originating from the Antilles, Mexico and Central America. The species is commonly referred to as queen of the night, night-blooming cereus (though these two terms are also used for other species), large-flowered cactus, sweet-scented cactus or vanilla cactus. The true species is extremely rare in cultivation. Most of the plants under this name belong to other species or hybrids. It is often confused with the genus '' Epiphyllum''. Etymology is Latin for 'large flowered'. When Carl Linnaeus described this cactus in 1753 it was the largest flowered species of cacti known. Paradoxically, its flowers are moderate in size compared with several other ''Selenicereus'' species. History Linnaeus described it in 1753, but it was known long before. Records from Hortus Kewensis gives that the species was grown at Royal Gardens at Hampton Court before 1700. There has been doubt about which plant was available to Linnaeus when he drew ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cephalocereus Senilis
''Cephalocereus senilis'', the old man cactus, is a species of cactus native to Hidalgo and Veracruz in central Mexico. It is threatened in the wild, but widespread propagation and popularity in cultivation have reduced the demand on wild populations. Description ''Cephalocereus senilis'' is a tall, columnar species with clusters of stems that may grow to 5–15 m tall; the individual stems are usually unbranched, being unable to withstand the weight of side branches adequately. The most striking feature is the shaggy coat of long, white hairs suggestive of unkempt hair on an old man. The coat is a particularly striking silvery white on the young cactus; as the plant ages the stem begins to lose its covering. The flowers are red, yellow, or white, though the plant may not flower until 10–20 years old. Morphology and function of the coat The hairs are modified spines and they make many a plant appear almost snow-white; they serve to protect the plant from frost and sun. However ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Rhipsalis Baccifera
''Rhipsalis baccifera'', commonly known as the mistletoe cactus, is an epiphytic cactus which originates from Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida. It is also found throughout the tropics of Africa and into Sri Lanka where it is known in Sinhala as (). This is the only cactus species naturally occurring outside the Americas. One hypothesis is that it was introduced to the Old World by migratory birds, long enough ago for the Old World populations to be regarded as distinct subspecies. An alternative hypothesis holds that the species initially crossed the Atlantic Ocean on European ships trading between South America and Africa, after which birds may have spread it more widely., pp. 117–118 Taxonomy The species shows considerable polymorphism and can be divided into numerous subspecies. Mesoamerican specimens are usually tetraploid and South American specimens are diploid. The genera currently assigned to the tribe Rhipsalideae (which include ''Hatiora'', '' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
