Is a cactus a flower?
In the scorching sun of the desert, cacti can always stand proudly with their unique posture. Is this plant with a mysterious aura a flower or a different kind of existence? What kind of survival philosophy is hidden behind its astonishing physiological features? Today, we are going to explore the mystery of the dual identity of this desert champion.
The truth about the identity of cacti is revealed
The answer under the biological definition
From a botanical perspective, cacti belong to the cactus family, which is a succulent plant. Their real flowers are actually the bright flower buds that bloom at the top. These short-lived and spectacular corollas are the true reproductive organs. However, their fleshy stems are not flowers, but water storage organs specialized to adapt to dry environments.
The recognition in the aesthetics of life
When we observe cacti from an ornamental perspective, they indeed meet the public's aesthetic expectations of 'flowers'. The thick and juicy stem nodes present a unique geometric beauty, and the regularly distributed thorn seats form natural decorative patterns. This characteristic of perfectly integrating practicality and aesthetics has made it a popular green plant in modern homes.
The three secrets of desert survival
Revolution of water storage structure
The fleshy stems of cacti are like natural water tanks, and their special waxy epidermis can reduce water evaporation by 98%. Each stomata is tightly closed during the day and only opens to breathe in the cool night. This water-saving mechanism allows them to survive in deserts with annual rainfall of less than 50 millimeters.
The theory of evolution of the defense system
The seemingly dangerous spines are actually degenerated leaves that can prevent animals from eating them and form an air insulation layer. Moreover, the thorn seats secrete a special sticky fluid that captures trace water molecules in the air during dry periods.
The wisdom of root system explosion
The shallow surface roots can quickly absorb accidental rainfall, while the main roots reaching 5 meters deep lock in underground water sources. In extreme drought, the outer roots will die and form a protective shell, ensuring the survival of the core tissue through this strategy of cutting off the arm to save the life.
The hidden traps in home care
Most people think that cacti are easy to grow, but they do not know that 90% of the death cases are caused by overcare. Frequent watering can cause root rot, so it is recommended to adopt the principle of 'thoroughly wetting after drying', with at least a 3-week interval between waterings. During the winter dormancy period, it is even more important to completely stop watering, allowing the plant to enter a deep energy-saving state.
By understanding the survival wisdom of cacti, we can not only master the correct care methods but also comprehend that in harsh environments, life will always find the most elegant way to survive. This desert spirit tells us through its billions of years of evolutionary history that true strength does not need to cater to the environment deliberately.