What features does a cactus have to survive?
A cactus is able to survive in the desert due to the following features: (i) It has long roots that go deep inside the soil for absorbing water. (ii) Its leaves are in the form of spines to prevent water loss through transpiration. (iii) Its stem is covered with a thick waxy layer to retain water.
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of cactus?
At a broad level, cacti have a lot of characteristics in common with other plants. They possess chlorophyll and make sugar by combining carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis. They also have true flowers, reproduce sexually by means of seeds and have water-absorbing roots.
How would you describe a cactus?
The word cactus describes a type of desert plant that has thick, leafless stems covered in prickly spines or sharp spikes. Cactus plants are able to thrive in dry climates because they store water in their stems. Some cacti are rich in vitamins, calcium and fibre.
What features does cactus have to save water?
The spines on a cactus help to protect it from humans and animals. Its roots are spread out to collect water when it does rain and it stores water in its body for future use.
What depends on a cactus?
Size and shape of flower depends on the species of cacti and type of pollination. They can be white, red, orange, pink or blue in color. Butterflies, bees, moths, bats and hummingbirds are main pollinators of cacti. Spines of cactus can be used in the production of hooks, combs and needles.
Why do cactus have thorns?
Over time, those leaves evolved into the spiky spines we see on cactuses today because they help the plants survive in hot, dry environments. “They can be a defense mechanism to discourage herbivores – animals that eat plants – from eating the cactus. But, also, spines create shade!” explains Kimberlie McCue.
What characteristic of a cactus plant that survive in desert?
A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include – spines, shallow roots, deep-layer stomata, thick and expandable stem, waxy skin and a short growing season.
What is habitat of cactus?
The habitat of the cactus plant is dry, arid desert. Cactus is a type of plant that can store large amounts of water and survive in extremely hot and dry habitats . They need more water in the spring and summer because that’s their heavy growing season.
What is interesting about cactus?
The cactus is a type of plant called a succulent. This 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 are the physical characteristics of a cactus?
Physical characteristics Cacti are succulent perennial plants. Cacti generally have thick herbaceous or woody chlorophyll-containing stems. Cacti can be distinguished from other succulent plants by the presence of areoles, small cushionlike structures with trichomes (plant hairs) and, in almost all species, spines or barbed bristles (glochids).
What is a cactus for kids?
Cactus Facts for Kids – (All You Need to Know!) Fun Cacti Facts A cactus is a plant that grows where the soil is dry and rocky—most usually in the desert. A cactus doesn’t have leaves like other plants do. A cactus has spines or thorns.
Do all cacti have flowers?
All cacti have flowers. Generally, cactus flowers are short-lived and provide the primary characteristics that separate cacti from other succulents. Cacti flowers have at least 10 petals, with the sepals combined with the petals, and have numerous stamens surrounding a multi-lobed stigma. If a succulent doesn’t produce a flower, it is not a cactus.
Do cactus have leaves or spines?
Leaves have a lot of surface area and therefore lose a lot of water. Only a handful of cactus species, such as those in the tropical genus Pereskia , have true leaves. These primitive, leafy types of cacti also have non-succulent stems. Normally, cacti have sharp spines instead of leaves.