When
picturing a desert landscape, one plant stands apart from the barren desert
horizon: the cactus. Most people hear
the word cactus, they think of a resilient, thorny plant in a lifeless habitat.
There are more than 2,000 species of cactus that vary in shape, color, size,
and type of habitat! While cacti are native to the dry regions of America, from
the most southern tip of South America to Canada, the hardy cactus can be found
throughout the world today.
How is it
possible for a plant to thrive in a climate that receives little to no water?
Cactus plants have the capability to store large amounts of water to survive
their habitat, conserving water in its roots, leaves and stems. Cactus plants also have a thick, fatty, waxy
outer layer preventing water loss in the high heat. Humans can only survive 3-4
days without water while the average species of cactus can survive two entire
years without a drop of water!
The defining
feature of cacti are their cluster of spines. Cactus spines are a modification
of leaves that contain no living cells, allowing the cactus to conserve
additional water. The spines create shade for the cactus while also acting as a
defense mechanism. Sharp spines ward off most potential predators, but wild
pigs, desert tortoises, and bighorn sheep still make room for cacti in their
diets! Cactus spines also help to collect water during the occasional desert
rainstorm, trapping fog and dew in their specialized grooves.
Cactus can
also be of a healthy option for humans to munch on! Cacti are full of vitamins
and nutrients and are a food staple in Latin America. Cactus leaf has been
found to lower cholesterol, decrease blood sugar levels and fight diabetes,
improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Cactus leaves are high in phenolics
and flavonoids, these compounds are high in antioxidants that fight cellular
damage from cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Cacti are a super food!
Cacti are
a resilient, hardy plant who overcome the most extreme environment on our
planet but are unfortunately succumbing to one adversary: human beings. Almost
one third of the 2,000 cactus species are threatened with extinction, making
cacti more endangered than pandas. Illegal trade and land conversion are
threatening the livelihood of this marvelous plant who has adapted against the
odds. More than 86% of threatened cacti being used in gardening come from wild
populations, and rare species such as the Ariocarpus are being sold for
as much as $1,000 per plant. While wanting to grow a cactus from home may seem
like a harmless passion, the continued survival of cactus depends on
protection. Cacti are listed as the fifth most threatened species on the IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species.
Many
animals depend on cactus for nourishment including coyotes, lizards, bats, and
hummingbirds. Rural indigenous cultures have used cactus as a food and
medication source for thousands of years, highlighting the importance of
conserving cactus for future generations. Continue to appreciate the wonder of
the cactus where they are found in nature and remain vigilant in protecting
biodiversity to ensure cacti are protected!
Join our HTHT @ Home Science Experiment and learn more about cactus survival: https://sciencemadefun.net/downloads/EOTD_Cactus_Survival_Lesson.pdf
