We associate bone-dry, hot desert landscapes with cacti. This idea applies to most cacti species. It is less well known that cacti also thrive in tropical rainforests, are completely frost-resistant or give us edible fruits. This profile summarizes all the exciting details.
Depending on the species, cacti have very different growth forms
Cactus profile - central features at a glance
Cacti are ingenious survivors in the plant kingdom. Most of its genera and species thrive as succulents. During rainy weather, the plants absorb every drop of water and use it to store up supplies for dry periods. The following profile summarizes what characterizes cacti:
- Cactuses (Cactaceae) are perennial shrubs, rarely trees
- More than 100 genera with 1,800 species and countless varieties
- Growth height from 1 cm to 500 cm and beyond
- Bizarre body shapes from round, disk-shaped or prostrate to slender, columnar
- Areas of distribution: North, Central and South America from deserts and mountains to the rain forest
- Often covered with thorns of different shapes
- Striking flowers in all shades
- Frost sensitive to completely hardy
The golden globe cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), a popular representative of desert cacti, is representative of the sheer unmissable diversity of species. The body, which is 130 cm high and 80 cm wide, has gold-colored thorns that are 3-5 cm long. Older specimens flower in breathtaking beauty in spring and summer. Among cactus friends, the magnificent piece is called 'mother-in-law's seat' with a wink.
One of the best-known leafy cacti without thorns is known under the title Christmas Cactus (Schlumberga). Native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, these cacti love partially shaded locations and bloom in the middle of wintertime.
Opuntias bring delicious fruit
We would like to highlight one of the most popular cactus species at this point. Opuntias are known by the German name prickly pear because their beautiful flowers turn into edible fruits. Cactus figs can be eaten freshly harvested like fruit. The fascinating desert cacti are gentle because they usually do without strong thorns.
tips
Cacti are not poisonous. However, due respect should be paid to the sometimes steel-hard thorns when caring for them. Even minor abrasions can lead to serious infections. Therefore, please always wear thorn-resistant gloves with long cuffs when you approach your cacti.