What adaptations to the environment do cactus have and what does the plant not tolerate?

It is customary to observe a cactus in the form of a small plant, which stands on the windowsill and pleases the eye.

But cacti in natural habitats can reach large sizes and terrifying forms.

The unusual structure of the plant, its external features - have a relative nature of adaptability to the environment. So, what helps a cactus adapt to the terrain? Let's consider in more detail in this article.

Features of the external and internal structure: what helps to adapt and how?

What adaptations to the environment do cactus have, for example, to prevent overheating of a plant?

Exactly in the epidermis, the plant accumulates moisture to use it during a drought.

To avoid evaporation, the cactus has a plaque in the form of wax on the stem, a ribbed surface and spines. Many species possess a massive root system that grows deep into the ground. It can also grow on the surface of the earth, while helping the entire plant to nourish moisture.

• Root system. With the help of the special structure of the root system, cacti can easily and quickly adapt to their habitat. What are the adaptive signs of the roots? Most plant species have a densified rod-shaped root. Leaving deep into the soil, he creates auxiliary root threads, while making the rhizome more durable. Moisture and beneficial elements also accumulate here. Thin roots retract morning dew, even at a depth of up to 20 cm.

• Stem. Different species have different stems. There are such types:
  1. Ground escape.
  2. Woody stalk.
  3. A juicy, fleshy base without leaves.

  How did the cactus stem adapt to its habitat, for example, to life in the desert? The stem contains chloroplasts with chlorophyll, they decompose, accelerating the process of photosynthesis. All this happens at night - this is the main difference between a cactus and other plants. The stems are covered with skin, which provides reliable protection against aggressive external influences. 95% of the stem consists of water, which allows species to survive in the most arid conditions.

  On the cactus stem are the rudiments of leaves (ribs, tubercles, papillae with spines). These elements protect the plant from active sun exposure, forming a little shadow around the cactus.

• Areola (spines). There are various shapes, sizes and colors. With their help, the cactus is saturated with moisture from the environment. Another function of the areola is to protect the stem from temperature extremes, that is, its devices prevent overheating, and also protect the plant from animals.

• Flowers. There are bisexual, sessile, tubular. The largest flower is the Multi-Rooted Hylocereus (30 cm). Flowering lasts from a couple of minutes to a whole week. Through flowers, reproduction, distribution and conservation of the species occurs.

Where does the plant live?

Cacti can be found all over the world.:

• in the rainforests;
• in the savannahs;
• in deserts and semi-deserts;
• in the mountains to an altitude of 4.5 km above sea level.

More on cactus habitat:

1. The mountains. In the mountains, the plant receives solar radiation, it is affected by sharp jumps in temperature and strong winds. The soil in the mountains cannot control the moisture level for a long time. Mountain views include:
   • mammillaria;
   • non-session;
   • escobaria;
   • telocactus.

   The spherical structure and short-cylindrical stems help species survive in mountain conditions.

2. Desert. In the deserts live those representatives of the species that do not have leaves. This is necessary to save “precious” moisture. Desert residents are distinguished by a ribbed stem and long spikes (how not to prick a cactus and what to do if this happened, read here). It is in the deserts that the most persistent and not picky species grow so they adapted to life in this environment:
   • echinopsis;
   • astrophytum;
   • prickly pear prickly pear (about prickly pear and agave you can find out here, but about small-haired prickly pear prickly pear)

3. Forests and Jungle. In this area, cacti act as parasites, they live on the stems of other plants. This is the genus Schlumberger, Epiphyllum. Settle on the crowns of large trees.

4. Home conditions. Most species can grow in an artificially created habitat (how this flower grows and what to do if the flower does not develop is described in this article). The main condition for care is proper watering, temperature control and top dressing. But unlike natural conditions, cacti houses will differ in smaller sizes and less lush flowering (or its absence). Read about cactus species and growing them at home here.

What can’t adapt to?

What environmental conditions is the cactus not adapted to and how is this explained?

1. "Spines" do not like a large amount of sun. Only 70% of plant species normally respond to it, the remaining ones prefer darkened places. This is the first problem for the plant.

   Do not plant a cactus in the sun or put on a windowsill, where there is a lot of light. The surest place for home cultivation will be the eastern parts of the room, where the sun's rays are replaced by a shadow.

2. Temperature jumps - the second challenge for growth and development. The limits of acceptable temperatures: from -10 to +35⁰C (provided that the temperature will change gradually). If the leap is sharp, the plant will die.

3. Excess Moisture - Third Hazard. If there is a lot of moisture, bacteria and fungi appear. It is better to ventilate the room (at least 1 time per day), where there is a “thorn”.

Cactus is the oldest exotic plant. These "spines" are distinguished by an unusual appearance, fleshy structure, unique colors. Thanks to this, the plant is a frequent inhabitant of floral collections. To the environment, the cactus allows the root, stem, thorns and flowers to adapt. You can meet the view around the world: from mountains to deserts.

Watch the video: Adaptations of Deserts Plants Cactus -For Kids (May 2024).