Did You Know These 10 Fun Facts About Cactus?
The cactus plant is one of the most interesting plants in the world, but many people don’t know much about them! If you’re looking to learn more about these unique plants, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are ten fun facts about cacti that will help you understand these popular plants even better than before!
1) Cacti are drought tolerant
Sure, cacti can look pretty cute in pots and are a suitable addition to any home garden. But did you know that there’s much more to these desert dwellers than meets the eye? Did you know that cacti, mainly Saguaro cactus, are drought-tolerant plants that hold their own against summertime heat without even a drop of rain? A waxy coating on their leaves protects them from water loss by reflecting light and heat.
2) Most cacti can’t survive freezing temperatures
If you live in a climate where temperatures dip below freezing, don’t despair—your cacti can be brought inside and kept on a sunny windowsill. However, many people choose to leave their cacti outside year-round since they’re used to subfreezing temperatures. Either way, it’s good to know that your cacti can survive cold weather since its native habitat is generally considered one of two places: tropical desert or mountainous regions with cool nights. In fact, there are only six species of cacti that naturally grow in warm climates such as California and Texas.
3) Prickly pear is edible
Prickly pear cactus fruit, also known as tuna (also Spanish: tuna), is an edible fruit produced by several species of cacti. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Prickly pear fruit has a strong flavor resembling lemonade and is often used in jams, jellies, sweets, and desserts. The pads of prickly pear are also edible when they are young, with a texture similar to okra or raw green beans.
4) They grow up to 36 inches in diameter
Saguaro cacti are massive, and they can get quite tall (up to 50 feet) as well. They grow slowly, however, and a full-grown saguaro can take 200 years to reach maturity. That’s why you don’t see many cacti younger than about 20 years old in Arizona. Most people are familiar with round prickly pear pads that grow in gardens and pots, but giant saguaros are probably more representative of cacti. Did you know that some saguaros weigh more than 8 tons?! Their seeds have wings: Saguaro cactus seeds look like little helicopters (helicopters!)—wings attached to a spiked ball.
5) They are found in every continent except Antarctica
There are six species of cacti native to North America, and they grow in habitats as diverse as deserts, mountains, and forests. The Saguaro is arguably one of North America’s most iconic plants; it’s also one of our largest cacti species. The giant saguaro can reach heights of 40 feet, while its trunk can be as thick as 6 feet. This massive plant may seem intimidating, but look closely at its skin and you’ll find a beautiful bloom: Saguaros have white flowers that bloom from April to June.
6) They only live for a few years
Did you know that a cactus can grow to be over 150 years old, but each individual plant only lives for a few years before it blooms and dies? They need little water: Did you know that cacti thrive in dry environments? Some species of cacti only require as little as two inches of rain per year. This is because they are able to get most of their moisture from carbon dioxide in the air. Not all plants are created equal: Did you know that there are more than 200 species of cacti across North America? Most native to Mexico, these unique desert-dwelling plants range in color from green and yellows to reds and purples.
7) They can be grown from seeds, cuttings, and grafting
Saguaro cacti are native to Arizona and northern Mexico. Despite their massive size, saguaros can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or grafting, making them a perfect addition to any landscape. If you live in a hot climate with long summers and short winters, consider planting a few of these fun facts about the cactus. With proper care and maintenance, your saguaro should grow anywhere from three feet to six feet every year. And just like your waistline after eating too many sweets at Thanksgiving dinner, they will keep growing until they fall over due to their own weight!
8) All varieties bloom on New Year's Eve
The Saguaro cactus is one of several kinds of cacti that grow in Arizona. The giant cacti flower only once every 50 years, and when they do, it's on New Year's Eve. This phenomenon has to do with its pollination process, which is controlled by a specific moth species (Cynthia erebidus) that only appears for one night on December 31st. If a Saguaro isn't pollinated on New Year's Eve, it will not produce fruit; if it does get pollinated then, it will begin producing giant red fruit pods almost immediately afterward and those pods will keep growing until October or November.
9) Their internal tissues store water and nutrients,
just like humans do with their bones
Unlike humans, cacti can replace lost body parts because their main internal organ – called a superorganism – is made up of stem tissue. Most plants grow from a single point (their seed), but cacti first sprout from that epicenter and then begin growing outward. All parts of a cactus are edible: The thick skin, flowers, fruit, and even roots are all fit for human consumption. In fact, they were consumed by Native Americans long before European settlers arrived on American soil.
10) There are more than 3,000 different species of cacti
Over 3,000 species of cacti exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. Saguaro cacti are among some of the most iconic. They’re native to Arizona and Mexico, where they usually grow from 15 to 30 feet tall and weigh as much as 40 pounds each. They can live for up to 200 years, thanks to their capacity for photosynthesis. Learn more facts about Saguaro cacti below
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