sign in • sign up
web   discussions   tasks   blogs   photos

How Does the Cactus Survive in the Desert?  email this discussion to a friend?

myLot reputation of 62/100. danvino (875) 5 years ago

A cactus plant only three feet tall may have roots spreading out to a length of ten feet across the desert!

So, how does the cactus survive in the desert?

 

life
sponsors
Cactus Plant
Find Cactus Plant Online. Free Shipping $50 on 100,000 Items!
Target.com/FreeShipping

Cactus& Succulent Plants
Huge selection of beautiful plants, low prices. Gifts& dish gardens!
www.cactuslimon.com

Cactus
Looking For Cactus? Find It Nearby With Local.com!
Local.com

User has not selected a best response.
tags:  cactus, cactus plant
 
1. myLot reputation of 97/100. vonne28th (942)   ranked 215 out of 32,943 in life   5 years ago

The cactus plant is adapted to both hot and cold places i believe. Think of that,the temperature difference in the desert is huge. So in order to survice,the cactus plant reduce heat gain and heat loss as well as water loss,(e.g. narrow pin shaped leaves,long extensive roots..)


myLot reputation of 62/100. danvino (875)  5 years ago

Thanks for your input!

Cactuses are thrifty plants that live in dry regions. They may not get much moisture where they live, but they manage to make the most of what they do get.

Since the cactus's long roots lie close to the surface of the ground, they can catch water from desert rains. And since the roots have a corklike bark covering them, they can absorb the water quickly.

Because the cactus has no leaves, its stems do the job manufacturing food for the plant and of storing its water. And because these stems grow upward rather than out, not too much of the plant faces the direct drying rays of the sun. These broad stems have a great deal of room for storing the water and a thick covering for protecting it.

In addition, the plant's sharp, pointed needles keep desert animal from sucking out this valuable liquid. However, cactus plants have saved the lives of thirsty people stranded in the desert.


saz247 (1)  4 years ago

a cactus can survive in the desert,because of it's waxy leaves and needles(spikes).
the help it to reduce water loss from evaporation.

Cactus Plant Find Cactus Plant Online. Free Shipping $50 on 100,000 Items!  Target.com/FreeShipping
 
2. myLot reputation of 89/100. CEN7777 (588)   ranked 3,732 out of 32,943 in life   5 years ago

Hi danvino,All cactus have the ability to store moisture in their main stock, leaves/pads, stems, & roots. What does the cactus have that other plants or succulents don't have is its "Areole".
Only the cactus have these.They are the hairy pads, or buds that the thorns, and flowers, and new cactus sproutings grow from.


aerole in cactus
Cactus & Succulent Plants Huge selection of beautiful plants, low prices. Gifts & dish gardens!  www.cactuslimon.com
 
sponsors
Cactus Plant
100s of Cactus Plant Top Brands at Low Prices.
www.Gifts.com

Cactus In
Get Address, Phone, Background Info& More on Cactus In!
USSearch.com

New: Cactus up to -57%
Find top Cactus at bargain prices: Compare offers and save up to 57%!
www.Cactus.news72.com

similar discussions
Third Time Lucky Trying To Post This!
I don't know why but, whenever I try to post anything in this category I get nowhere! Oh...
What Reason Would A Cactus Die?
I had some cacti and they shriveled and died. I am sure I didn't overwater them. It is warm...
Little Mary, quite contrary...
A big part of my terrace has cacti in pots. I´m sure that I have told you about that. I started...
Growing Peyote
First off, I'd like to say that growing, ingesting, selling, etc. of peyote is COMPLETELY legal in...
sponsors
Cactus Plant
100s of Cactus Plant Top Brands at Low Prices.
www.Gifts.com
Cactus In
Get Address, Phone, Background Info & More on Cactus In!
USSearch.com
New: Cactus up to -57%
Find top Cactus at bargain prices: Compare offers and save up to 57%!
www.Cactus.news72.com
Lose Weight, GH Programs
Heal Rejuvenate and Start Living Again Dr Prescribed and Supervised
www.continuumhealth.org
return to mylot
We are loading a word from our sponsors. No thanks, cancel loading.