What Is The Actual Mechanism That Allows Large Cacti To Live Without Water?

Plants that grow under ordinary conditions waste a great deal of water. Water is taken up from the sap by the leaves and then the water is given out to the air.

The cactus gets around this by having no leaves. Its stems are formed in such a way that as little surface as possible is exposed to the direct sunlight. Thus almost no moisture is given up. In addition, the stems are thick so that water can be stored in side them. There is a thick covering on the stem to keep the water even more safely protected. The spines or scales on the cactus plant also discourage any thirsty animals around who might want to take a drink from its reservoir. In this way some of the larger cacti plants can live two or more than two years without water.

Add Comment

Report