Cacti and Succulents, photo collection.
Celebration of nature’s resilience. Cacti and succulents photo collection, cultivated cactus and succulent plants, beauty of cacti and succulent.
Cacti and Succulents, two remarkable plant families, thrive in arid regions worldwide. Their distinct features make them fascinating and resilient additions to any garden. Cacti, known for their iconic spines, belong to the Cactaceae family, while succulents encompass various species from different plant families, united by their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy leaves or stems.
Cacti exhibit unparalleled diversity in form, size, and habitat. They range from diminutive pebble-like plants such as the Mammillaria, to towering giants like the saguaro cactus. These plants have evolved ingenious adaptations to conserve water, including modified leaves reduced to spines and the capacity to photosynthesize at night when temperatures are cooler. Remarkably, cacti can withstand extreme conditions, from scorching deserts to high-altitude mountains.
Succulents, on the other hand, encompass a broader spectrum of plant types. From the elegant echeverias to the peculiar lithops, they hail from different botanical families. What unites them is their unique water-storage capacity. Succulents store water in specialized cells, allowing them to endure prolonged periods of drought. Their leaves come in various shapes and sizes, often fleshy and equipped with waxy coatings that reduce water loss through evaporation.
Both cacti and succulents have gained popularity as indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. Their low maintenance requirements and aesthetic appeal make them ideal choices for busy urban gardeners. Many succulents produce vibrant, eye-catching flowers, while cacti often surprise with exquisite blooms that emerge from the midst of their spines.
Propagation of these plants is relatively simple, often accomplished through stem or leaf cuttings. With the right care and conditions, they can thrive for years, making them sustainable choices for home gardening. Additionally, they play a crucial role in the ecology of arid regions, providing shelter and sustenance for wildlife.
In conclusion, cacti and succulents are nature’s champions of resilience, adapting to harsh environments and captivating enthusiasts worldwide with their stunning diversity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice plant enthusiast, these plants offer a unique and rewarding experience in cultivating and appreciating the beauty of the plant world’s arid champions.
The images on these pages relate to the photographic shots taken since FEBRUARY 2021. Photographs taken mainly in botanic gardens or shops. Wherever I could find them, when I had the trusty camera with me. Time by time, these images will be replaced with new ones (same subject), better in my opinion. I apologize for any incorrect classification of flowers and plants in the images of the site. If you have any suggestions, these are welcome.
Difference between succulents and cacti – Succulents store water in their leaves, stems or roots and the arms – thus they can survive quite a while without being watered. Cacti have small, round, cushion-like structures called areoles in which flowers and hair can grow. Areoles usually look like small, fluffy, cotton like lumps on the body of the cactus.
*** Alphabetical order, following scientific name in Latin
Cultivated cacti or succulents, plants in the gardens, or botanic gardens…
