ADAPTION OF CACTI IN
DESERT ENVIRONMENT
Presented by: Gaurangaa Viknesh
All About Cacti
Facts
Cacti are as old as dinosaurs.
Cactus is a Greek word.
Cacti feature in Mexico's
flag.
Tallest recorded cacti.
Cacti photosynthesise in
reverse.
Cacti have a medicinal use.
Generally cacti are leafless plants found in dry regions. They have
adapted to store water in their thick stems.
HOW DOES A CACTUS ADAPT IN THE DESERT?
A CACTUS HAS SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS IN ITS
ROOTS, LEAVES AS WELL AS STEMS THAT ENABLE IT
TO THRIVE IN DESERT ENVIRONMENTS. THESE
ADAPTATIONS INCLUDE: LEAVES ARE REDUCED TO
SPINES TO REDUCE WATER LOSS THROUGH
TRANSPIRATION. WIDE AND DEEP ROOTS ABSORB
RAINWATER ON THE SURFACE AND REACH THE
UNDERGROUND DEEP WATER.
More Information
A CACTUS IS A MEMBER OF THE PLANT FAMILY
CACTACEAE.
CACTI ARE SLOW GROWERS AND CAN LIVE FOR
MANY YEARS. THEY CAN LIVE UP TO 175 YEARS.
CACTUS FLOWERS PRIMARILY OPEN AT NIGHT,
UNLIKE MANY FLOWERS THAT BLOOM DURING THE
DAY.