3 minute read
Is it a Cactus…?
…or is it not a cactus? Cacti and other succulents are gaining popularity both as landscape ornamentals and as potted plants. There is some confusion as to the difference between cacti and succulents. Cacti (singular cactus) is the commonly used name for a group of plants in the flowering plant family CACTACEAE. Succulents is a commonly used term for many plants across more than 60 plant families including CACTACEAE. Therefore, all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Succulent from the Latin, succulentus meaning sap, references the plant’s ability to retain moisture within the plant body and to thrive on limited moisture sources, such as mist and dew, which make them equipped to survive in an ecosystem that contains scarce water resources.
Because of the diversity of succulents across numerous plant families, succulents can be found in many different regions around the world. By contrast, most species of the CACTACEAE are native only to the New World which refers to North, Central and South America. They range from the Arctic Circle to the mountains of Chile, but Mexico has the greatest number and variety of species. The only cacti possibly native to the Old World are found in the genus Rhipsalis, found in East Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.
Cacti can be distinguished from other succulents by the presence of areoles: small, cushion like structures with trichomes (hair-like) and in almost all species, spines (highly modified leaves) and on a few species, glochids (barbed bristles found on Chollas and Prickly pears – Ouch!). Areoles are modified stems from which flowers, more stems or leaves may grow. In most cacti species, leaves are absent, greatly reduced or highly modified. Stems instead of leaves are the primary sites for photosynthesis and water storage. These stems also establish the overall shape of the mature plant. The root systems are mainly thin, fibrous and shallow, spreading widely to absorb superficial moisture. While cacti may grow in rainforests, mountains and deserts, they prefer well-draining, gritty or sandy soils.
Non cacti succulents typically have leaves that may be swollen and “juicy” or thick and leathery looking. The leaves and stems may have spines or thorns (modified stems) or prickles (corky projections arising from dermal tissue). Leaves, stems or roots or a combination serve as water storage organs to insure survival under arid conditions. The mature structure of most non cacti succulents is determined by the shape and arrangement of their leaves as opposed to their stems as is found with cacti. Non cacti succulents do not have areoles.
Examples of commonly grown cacti in Arizona:
• Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) • Cholla (Cylindropuntia sp.) • Barrel cacti (Echinocactus sp., Ferocactus sp.) • Prickly pear (Opuntia sp.) • Mexican Fence Post (Stenocereus marginatus) • Arizona Queen of the Night (Peniocereus greggi) • Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria sp.) • Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum myriostigma) • Cardon (Pachycerus pringlei) • Creeping Devil cactus (Stenocereus eruca) • Organ Pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) • Feather cactus (Mammillaria plumosa)
• Medicinal Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) • Century Plant (Agave americana) • Agaves (Agave sp.) • Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) • Soap Tree Yucca (Yucca elata) • Jade Plant (Crassula arborescens) • Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) • Flowering Kalanchoes (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) • Sedums (Sedum sp.) • Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum sp.)
Succulents that are often thought to be cacti but are not:
• Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) • Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia millii var. splendens) • Boojum Tree (Fouquieria columnaris) • Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) • Madagascar Ocotillo (Alluaudia procera)
Why grow succulents?
• Most are easy to grow and are able to thrive with a minimum of care. • Most are attractive and may have a striking and unusual appearance. • Many come in a variety of colors. • Some have medicinal uses. • Most require modest amounts of water and fertilizer. • Most need lots of light but a few species will tolerate partial shade or lower light conditions. • Pests are a rare concern. Article provided by Cindy Odgers
ARIZONA WHOLESALE GROWERS
Now with nearly 150 acres of premier growing facilities we are providing the Valley with the widest selection of shrubs, trees, ornamentals, small and specimen size Agaves, Aloes, cacti and succulents. We know that for you, Time is Money, so we are focused on improving your purchasing experience; with an expanded pre-pulled order area, increased delivery capacity, and enhanced ‘Plant Locator’ services to find the plants you need even if we don’t have them in stock.
TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:
1634 W Park View Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85085
(623) 581-3100
4204 E. Lone Mountain Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 85331
