Cactus

Cacti are a group of succulent plants belonging to the Cactaceae family.
Cactaceae. They have highly modified leavesin the form of thorns. These spines are actually adapted leaves that have evolved to reduce the exposed surface area and, therefore, water loss through transpiration.

Instead of large leaves, cacti have succulent stems that allow them to store water. These stems can swell to retain large amounts of water when it is available, allowing them to survive in arid environments. They are adapted to survive in drought conditions. Their adaptations include the ability to open and close stomata during the night to reduce water loss and the ability to absorb water quickly when it is available. Many cacti are easy to propagate from cuttings. Small parts of a cactus, such as stem segments, can root and give rise to new plants.

Despite their prickly appearance, many cacti produce colorful and attractive flowers. These flowers are often large in comparison to the size of the plant and can have a variety of shapes and colors. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some grow in the shape of a column, others in the shape of a globe, barrel or even a candelabra. This makes cacti popular ornamental plants.