Cactus – King of Desert Flora

Cactus plants have become a very popular part of the florist and greenhouse businesses. Little wonder, a cactus is a visually engaging plant, and few forms of flora are so easily maintained in good condition. Every variety of cactus has evolved to endure great stress and hardships in the most arid, hostile deserts in the world. So caring for one in the house or yard is really quite simple and undemanding.

The cactus is a spiny succulent. The cactus is a member of the very large family of plants called Cactaceae. This plant family includes some 1,700 species of cactus that are indigenous to North and South America. Even the Rhipsalis baccifera, which grows in the tropical regions of Sri Lanka, Africa, and Madagascar is believed to have been transported to those regions by migrating animals – most likely birds. But that one species has been present in those areas for thousands of years, and so its actual origins are as yet unknown. Today, cactus have been transported throughout the world, and are growing in places heretofore unpopulated by this amazing plant.

An example of the majestic Saguaro cactus near Tucson in southern Arizona

Cactus plants are of particular interest to the inhabitants of the Sonora Desert region in the southwestern part of the United States. It is here that some very rare species of cactus grow, and where the cactus of the region have always played an important role in the culture and economy. The giant Saguaro Cactus and the Organ Pipe Cactus are but two of the rare species indigenous only to this small area of the country. And while these two cacti ("cacti" is the most common form of the plural for cactus, but "cactuses" is also correct) appear to be very similar, it is the Saguaro which has gained great notoriety, and has become a symbol of the great deserts, the southwest, and the Old West. Its imposing 'armed' trunks are even used in cartoons to represent any of the aforementioned.

Actually, the giant Saguaro Cactus and the Organ Pipe Cactus can be told apart from one another quite simply. The Organ Pipe Cactus grows its branches out from its base, whereas the Saguaro Cactus only sprouts branches from higher up on the trunk. Also, both cactuses have their own protected areas to live in. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located only a little over an hour's drive from Tucson, Arizona. Saguaro National Park is adjoining Tucson, and is one of the most scenic attractions in the area. It also offers Ranger-lead tours and classes for young and old.

Cactuses have no leaves – or so it appears. In actuality, the spines are their equivalent of leaves. They are much smaller so that they cannot loose moisture. The spines also serve to protect the cactus from being eaten or inadvertently trampled by larger animals. There are numerous types of cactus spines, and many of them are quite capable of inflicting serious injury.

Sometimes the cactus spines don't protect it. The Javelina, for example, dines heartily on the dreaded pancake cactus. The pancake cactus brandishes medium length, very hard spines that are easily capable of penetrating through flesh until stopped by bone. These cactus spines, like many others, are amazingly sharp. They are also notorious for shooting up through the soles of tennis shoes. [NB: Tennis shoes, by the way, are not the ideal choice of footwear for desert walks or hikes.] It's really quite a treat to watch a hungry Javelina eat a large pancake cactus. How do they do that?

With all the succulents in the world, the cactuses are separated by a form of special branch called an areole. The areoles are very small – as branches go, but can be seen easily. Look for slightly lighter or darker bumps on the cactus – usually with spines or flowers growing out from them.

A strange, yet natural formation at the top of a Saguaro Cactus. Saguaro cactus with this formation are referred to as "Crested Saguaro Cactus."

Cactus flowers are stunning things. This comes as a shock to most people. A cactus, after all, has spines and will stick you. It's just not perceived to be plant capable of producing truly stunning flowers. The Arizona state flower is that of the Saguaro Cactus, and it is a most impressive blossom, to be sure. The flower is very large and sturdy in appearance, and its waxy look makes it almost seem translucent in parts.

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END NOTES:
The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument covers over 330,000 acres of federally protected land. Located On Arizona State Highway 85, roughly 35 miles south of Ajo, Arizona, the monument boasts trails, special exhibits, ranger-hosted demonstrations, a slide program, and much more. Return to Article