CACTUS

Why are cacti important?

 What is a cactus plant?
• The cactus is a type of plant
called a succulent. That means
that it can store water in its
stems, roots, and leaves. Even
if it doesn’t rain for a long
time, the cactus still has water
saved up to help it grow.
• Thanks to its ability to store
water, the cactus can live for
over a year without rain!
What do cactus look like?
• There are about 2000 types of cacti, and they
come in different shapes, sizes, and colours.
Green may be the most common colour for
cacti, but they can also be bluish or brown-
green. Some cactus plants are very round, and
others are flat like a pancake.
• Some are even shaped
like snakes or starfish.
A cactus plant can be
very small or very big.
The largest type of cacti
can grow to be 66 feet
tall and weigh up to
4800 pounds. That’s as
heavy as a car!
 Cactus flowers
• Although you might think of a
cactus as an ugly plant covered
in spikes, it actually grows big,
beautiful flowers too.
• Cactus flowers can be yellow,
red, pink, white, orange, or
blue. Some cactus flowers
bloom for only a day, while
others last for weeks.
• Many of these flowers are
nocturnal, meaning they bloom
only at night.
 Spikes or spines
• The cactus does have spikes too,
but these are technically called
spines. The cactus plant has
spines instead of leaves, and these
spines help the cactus plant
survive.
• The sharp spines protect cacti
from animals and birds. They also
help keep the cactus plant’s stored
water from escaping.
 Where do they grow?
• If you thought the answer to
this question was, “The
desert,” you’re right! Most
cacti grow in the desert or in
very dry areas because they
like dry, rocky soil.
• some cactus plants have
been found in the rainforest
and in northern countries
like Canada.
 Uses
• The inside a cactus plant is much thicker than
the water you normally see. It may not look
very tasty, but it’s safe for people to drink. In
fact, drinking cactus water has saved the lives
of people traveling through the desert!
 USES
• You can even eat some cacti, like Indian figs and
prickly pears. These types of cacti grow fruit that are
red or yellow when they are ripe and ready to eat.
People also eat the pads or stems of the cacti
themselves.
• Cacti can be fried, boiled, or served in a salad or soup.
In some countries like Mexico, you can buy cactus as
food in the grocery store. Would you eat a cactus?
• The flowers of cactus plants are usually pollinated by
bees, butterflies, moths, and even bats.
• Cacti can be used to make combs, needles, and
hooks.
 New discovery
• Recently scientists developed a fake plastic from the
cactus juice that can help fight plastic pollution.
• The plastic is bio-degradable in 30 days and leaves
no harmful substance behind!
 Conclusion
• So yes, the cactus plant is spiky, (usually) green, and
grows in the desert. But it’s also a really unique plant
with all kinds of special tricks to help it survive in the
desert. Plus, it’s a useful plant that grows fruit, can
be used to make different items, and has drinkable
water that has saved lives!