Cactus: Difference between revisions

Cactus; Temporal range: 35 mya to present
	Various cacti
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae; Juss.
Subfamilies
	Cactoideae; Maihuenioideae; Opuntioideae; Pereskioideae;

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Many species of cactus have long, sharp spines

A cactus is a kind of a plant adapted to hot, dry climates.^[2] Plants which live this kind of life-style are called xerophytes. Most are succulents, which store water.

Cactuses are members of the plant family Cactaceae, in the order Caryophyllales. There are about 127 genera, with over 1750 known species. Almost all of them are native to the Americas, from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north. The species Rhipsalis baccifera also grows in Africa and Sri Lanka.^[3]

Theophrastus was the first to use the word cactus: It comes from Ancient Greek κάκτος, kaktos. Theophrastus used it for a spiny plant whose identity is not known for sure.^[4] Cactuses are part of an important food chain in dry, hot climates. Now Cactuses have spread to many other parts of the world, and many people like to grow them in pots or gardens.

Many Cactuses live in dry places, such as deserts. Most Cactuses have sharp thorns (stickers) and thick skin. There are many shapes and sizes of Cactuses. Some are short and round; others are tall and thin. Many cactus flowers are big and beautiful. Some bloom at night and are pollinated by moths and bats. Some cactus fruits are brightly coloured and good to eat: many animals eat cactus fruits.

Adaptations

An adaptation is anything that helps a living thing survive and make more of its own kind. Cactuses have many adaptations for living in places that are sometimes dry for a long time. At other times these places can get lots of rain.

Cactuses can have many small, thin roots near the top of the soil. These roots take in water quickly after a rain. The same cactus may have one long, thick root called a taproot. The taproot grows deep in the soil. It can reach water when the soil on top is dry.

Cactuses store water in thick stems. The stems are covered with tough skin, and the skin is covered with wax. The thick waxy skin slows down loss of water. The leaves of Cactuses are sharp spines (thorns, stickers). Many animals want the water inside the cactus, but the sharp spines and thick skin protect the cactus.

Uses of Cactuses

Cactuses are commonly grown as houseplants. They are pretty and easy to grow. Some Cactuses are grown in gardens, especially in dry areas. Cactus can be used as a living fence. The wood of dead cactus is sometimes used for building.

People eat the fruit of some kinds of cactus, such as dragonfruit and prickly pear. Dactylopius coccus is a scale insect from which cochineal dye is got. This insect lives on Cactuses from the genus Opuntia, feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cactus sap. The insect produces carminic acid, which deters predation by other insects. The carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the red dye.

Cactus in history

The ancient Aztecs of North America held cactus to be very important. Cactus can be found in many of their sculptures and drawings. The national coat of arms of Mexico shows an eagle, a snake, and cactus.

Christopher Columbus brought the first cactus to Europe. Scientists and gardeners became very interested in cactus.

Prickly pear was taken to Australia in the 19th century for use as a natural fence and for use in the cochineal industry. The cactus spread out of control, but was controlled by the larva of a South American moth.

From the start of the 20th century interest in cactus has grown. Every year, scientists discover new kinds of cactus. A bad effect of this has been the digging up of many Cactuses from the wild, making some kinds endangered.

Cactus stems

A cactus does not have leaves because it lives in dry places. Leaves transpire, and this can waste water. So, the cactus saves water by having no leaves. The green parts of the cactus are actually its stems. Because the stems are green, they do the photosynthesis for the cactus. They also grow prickly needles to protect the cactus from animals that want to eat it.

Genera

The family contains more than 100 genera.^[5] Some of them are:

References

↑ Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2009). "An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG III". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 161 (2): 105–121. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.2009.00996.x. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2013-07-06. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
↑ The plural of cactus is cacti or cactuses or simply 'cactus'.
↑ Anderson, Edward F. 2001. The cactus family. Pentland, Oregon: Timber Press. ISBN 978-0-88192-498-5
↑ Johnson, A.T.; Smith, H.A. (1972), Plant names simplified : their pronunciation, derivation & meaning, Buckenhill, Herefordshire: Landsmans Bookshop, ISBN 978-0-900513-04-6 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |lastauthoramp= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help), p. 19
↑ Anderson, Miles 1999.Cacti and succulents: illustrated encyclopedia. Oxford: Sebastian Kelly. ISBN 978-1-84081-253-4

Websites

[APGIII2009-1] Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2009). "An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG III". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 161 (2): 105–121. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.2009.00996.x. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2013-07-06. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[2] The plural of cactus is cacti or cactuses or simply 'cactus'.

[Ed-3] Anderson, Edward F. 2001. The cactus family. Pentland, Oregon: Timber Press. ISBN 978-0-88192-498-5

[JohnSmit72-4] Johnson, A.T.; Smith, H.A. (1972), Plant names simplified : their pronunciation, derivation & meaning, Buckenhill, Herefordshire: Landsmans Bookshop, ISBN 978-0-900513-04-6 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |lastauthoramp= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help), p. 19

[Miles-5] Anderson, Miles 1999.Cacti and succulents: illustrated encyclopedia. Oxford: Sebastian Kelly. ISBN 978-1-84081-253-4

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 A '''cactus''' is a kind of [[plant|a plant]] adapted to hot, dry climates.<ref>The plural of cactus is cacti or cactuses or simply 'cactus'.</ref> Plants which live this kind of life-style are called [[xerophyte]]s. Most are [[Succulent plant|succulents]], which store water.
-Cacti are  members of the plant [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Cactaceae]], in the [[Order (biology)|order]] [[Caryophyllales]]. There are about 127 genera, with over 1750 known species. ''Almost all of them are native to the Americas'', from [[Patagonia]] in the south to parts of western [[Canada]] in the north. The species ''Rhipsalis baccifera'' also grows in [[Africa]] and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="Ed">Anderson, Edward F. 2001. '' The cactus family''. Pentland, Oregon: Timber Press. {{ISBN|978-0-88192-498-5}}</ref>
+Cactuses are  members of the plant [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Cactaceae]], in the [[Order (biology)|order]] [[Caryophyllales]]. There are about 127 genera, with over 1750 known species. ''Almost all of them are native to the Americas'', from [[Patagonia]] in the south to parts of western [[Canada]] in the north. The species ''Rhipsalis baccifera'' also grows in [[Africa]] and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="Ed">Anderson, Edward F. 2001. '' The cactus family''. Pentland, Oregon: Timber Press. {{ISBN|978-0-88192-498-5}}</ref>
-[[Theophrastus]] was the first to use the word ''cactus'': It comes from [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang-grc|κάκτος|kaktos|label=none}}. Theophrastus used it for a spiny plant whose identity is not known for sure.<ref name=JohnSmit72>{{Citation |last=Johnson |first=A.T. |last2=Smith |first2=H.A. |year=1972 |title=Plant names simplified : their pronunciation, derivation & meaning |publication-place=Buckenhill, Herefordshire |publisher=Landsmans Bookshop |isbn=978-0-900513-04-6 |lastauthoramp=yes }}, p. 19</ref> Cacti are part of an important food chain in dry, hot climates. Now cacti have spread to many other parts of the world, and many people like to grow them in pots or gardens.
+[[Theophrastus]] was the first to use the word ''cactus'': It comes from [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang-grc|κάκτος|kaktos|label=none}}. Theophrastus used it for a spiny plant whose identity is not known for sure.<ref name=JohnSmit72>{{Citation |last=Johnson |first=A.T. |last2=Smith |first2=H.A. |year=1972 |title=Plant names simplified : their pronunciation, derivation & meaning |publication-place=Buckenhill, Herefordshire |publisher=Landsmans Bookshop |isbn=978-0-900513-04-6 |lastauthoramp=yes }}, p. 19</ref> Cactuses are part of an important food chain in dry, hot climates. Now Cactuses have spread to many other parts of the world, and many people like to grow them in pots or gardens.
-Many cacti live in dry places, such as [[deserts]]. Most cacti have sharp [[thorn]]s (stickers) and thick skin. There are many shapes and sizes of cacti. Some are short and round; others are tall and thin. Many cactus [[flowers]] are big and beautiful. Some bloom at night and are [[Pollination|pollinated]] by [[moths]] and [[bats]]. Some cactus fruits are brightly coloured and good to eat: many animals eat cactus fruits.
+Many Cactuses live in dry places, such as [[deserts]]. Most Cactuses have sharp [[thorn]]s (stickers) and thick skin. There are many shapes and sizes of Cactuses. Some are short and round; others are tall and thin. Many cactus [[flowers]] are big and beautiful. Some bloom at night and are [[Pollination|pollinated]] by [[moths]] and [[bats]]. Some cactus fruits are brightly coloured and good to eat: many animals eat cactus fruits.
 == Adaptations ==
-An [[adaptation]] is anything that helps a living thing survive and make more of its own kind. Cacti have many adaptations for living in places that are sometimes dry for a long time. At other times these places can get lots of rain.
+An [[adaptation]] is anything that helps a living thing survive and make more of its own kind. Cactuses have many adaptations for living in places that are sometimes dry for a long time. At other times these places can get lots of rain.
-Cacti can have many small, thin roots near the top of the soil. These roots take in water quickly after a rain. The same cactus may have one long, thick root called a taproot. The taproot grows deep in the soil. It can reach water when the soil on top is dry.
+Cactuses can have many small, thin roots near the top of the soil. These roots take in water quickly after a rain. The same cactus may have one long, thick root called a taproot. The taproot grows deep in the soil. It can reach water when the soil on top is dry.
-Cacti store water in thick stems. The stems are covered with tough skin, and the skin is covered with wax. The thick waxy skin slows down loss of water. The leaves of cacti are sharp spines (thorns, stickers). Many animals want the water inside the cactus, but  the sharp spines and thick skin protect the cactus.
+Cactuses store water in thick stems. The stems are covered with tough skin, and the skin is covered with wax. The thick waxy skin slows down loss of water. The leaves of Cactuses are sharp spines (thorns, stickers). Many animals want the water inside the cactus, but  the sharp spines and thick skin protect the cactus.
-== Uses  of cacti ==
+== Uses  of Cactuses ==
-Cacti are commonly grown as [[houseplants]]. They are pretty and easy to grow. Some cacti are grown in gardens, especially in dry areas. Cactus can be used as a living fence. The wood of dead cactus is sometimes used for building.
+Cactuses are commonly grown as [[houseplants]]. They are pretty and easy to grow. Some Cactuses are grown in gardens, especially in dry areas. Cactus can be used as a living fence. The wood of dead cactus is sometimes used for building.
-People eat the fruit of some kinds of cactus, such as [[dragonfruit]] and [[prickly pear]]. ''Dactylopius coccus'' is a [[scale insect]] from which [[cochineal]] [[dye]] is got. This insect lives on cacti from the genus ''Opuntia'', feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cactus sap. The insect produces carminic acid, which [[defence against predators|deters predation]] by other insects. The carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the red dye.
+People eat the fruit of some kinds of cactus, such as [[dragonfruit]] and [[prickly pear]]. ''Dactylopius coccus'' is a [[scale insect]] from which [[cochineal]] [[dye]] is got. This insect lives on Cactuses from the genus ''Opuntia'', feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cactus sap. The insect produces carminic acid, which [[defence against predators|deters predation]] by other insects. The carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the red dye.
 == Cactus in history ==
@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 [[Prickly pear]] was taken to [[Australia]] in the 19th century for use as a natural fence and for use in the [[cochineal]] industry. The cactus spread out of control, but was controlled by the larva of a South American [[moth]].
-From the start of the 20th century interest in cactus has grown. Every year, scientists discover new kinds of cactus. A bad effect of this has been the digging up of many cacti from the wild, making some kinds [[endangered]].
+From the start of the 20th century interest in cactus has grown. Every year, scientists discover new kinds of cactus. A bad effect of this has been the digging up of many Cactuses from the wild, making some kinds [[endangered]].
 == Cactus stems ==
@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 * [http://www.cssainc.org/ Cactus and Succulent Society of America]
 * [http://www.cactofilia.com/en/ Cactophilia]
-* [http://www.floridanaturepictures.com/cacti/cacti.html Cacti & Succulent Picture Gallery]
+* [http://www.floridanaturepictures.com/cacti/cacti.html Cactuses & Succulent Picture Gallery]
-* [http://www.aztekium.narod.ru/cacti/photos/index.htm Cacti Picture Gallery]
+* [http://www.aztekium.narod.ru/cacti/photos/index.htm Cactuses Picture Gallery]
-* [http://www.spbcactus.narod.ru/ Cacti Picture Gallery of Saint-Petersburg Cactus Club]
+* [http://www.spbcactus.narod.ru/ Cactuses Picture Gallery of Saint-Petersburg Cactus Club]
-* [http://www.cactiguide.com/ CactiGuide - many photos, and discussion forum]
+* [http://www.cactiguide.com/ CactusesGuide - many photos, and discussion forum]
 * [http://cactus-guide.com A Guide to the Miraculous Cactus World]
 * [http://www.intermountaincactus.com Intermountain Cactus: Winter Hardy Cactus]
 * [http://www.cactusedintorni.com/en/ International site for Succulents with photos, tips and plant database (in 4 languages)]
 * [http://www.succulentcity.org/ SucculentCity - Plant Profiles, Photographs & Cultivation Data]
-* [http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/cacti/ WWF priority species profile for cacti]
+* [http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/cacti/ WWF priority species profile for Cactuses]
 [[Category:Cactaceae| ]]