Cactus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the plant family. For the former genus Cactus, see Mammillaria, Melocactus,
and Opuntia. For other meanings, see Cactus (disambiguation)
"Cacti" redirects here. For the software, see Cacti (software).

Many species of cactus have long, sharp spines, like thisOpuntia.
A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses, or cactus
[3]
) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae within the
order Caryophyllales. Almost all cacti are succulents. The word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from
the Ancient Greek (kaktos), a name originally used for a spiny plant whose identity is not
certain. Cacti are native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of
western Canada in the northexcept for Rhipsalis baccifera, which also grows in Africa and Sri
Lanka.
Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought. Many live in extremely dry environments,
even being found in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth. Cacti show many
adaptations to conserve water. Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines,
which are highly modified leaves. As well as defending against herbivores, spines help prevent water
loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade. Cactus spines are produced
from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Areoles are an
identifying feature of cacti. As well as spines, areoles give rise to flowers, which are usually tubular
and multipetaled.
In the absence of leaves, enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis. Unlike many other succulents,
the stem is the only part of most cacti where this vital process takes place. Cactus stems also store
water, and are often ribbed or fluted, which allows them to expand and contract easily. Cacti occur in
a wide range of shapes and sizes. The tallest free-standing cactus is Pachycereus pringlei, with a
maximum recorded height of 19.2 m (63 ft),
[4]
and the smallest is Blossfeldia liliputiana, only about
1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter at maturity.
[5]
The smaller cacti usually have globe-shaped stems,
combining the highest possible volume with the lowest possible surface area. Many cacti have
shortgrowing seasons and long dormancies, and are able to react quickly to any rainfall, helped by
an extensive but relatively shallow root system. A fully grown saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is said
to be able to absorb as much as 200 U.S. gallons (760 l; 170 imp gal) of water during a rainstorm.
[6]

Like other succulent plants, most cacti employ a special mechanism called "crassulacean acid
metabolism" (CAM) as part of photosynthesis.Transpiration, during which carbon dioxide enters the
plant and water escapes, does not take place during the day at the same time as photosynthesis,
but instead occurs at night. The plant stores the carbon dioxide it takes in as malic acid, retaining it
until daylight returns, and only then using it in photosynthesis. Because transpiration takes place
during the cooler, more humid night hours, water loss is significantly reduced.
A few species differ significantly in appearance from most of the family. At least superficially, plants
of the genus Pereskia resemble other trees and shrubs growing around them. They have persistent
leaves, and when older, bark-covered stems. Their areoles identify them as cacti, and in spite of
their appearance, they, too, have many adaptations for water conservation. Pereskia is considered
close to the ancestral species from which all cacti evolved. In tropical regions, other cacti grow as
forest climbers and epiphytes (plants that grow on trees). Their stems are typically flattened, almost
leaf-like in appearance, with fewer or even no spines, such as the well-known Christmas cactus or
Thanksgiving cactus (in the genus Schlumbergera).
Cacti have a variety of uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for
fodder or forage, and others for food (particularly their fruit). Cochineal is the product of an insect
that lives on some cacti.



Under the Sun is found in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9, "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall
be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."

Kangaroo Rat
(Dipodomys deserti)
The Kangaroo Rat is probably the most misunderstood animal in the desert. They don't drink
water; they only eat seeds, this is where their moisture comes from. They are chased and
hunted continually. They are the favorite food of Kit Foxes, Coyotes, Snakes, and Owls. And
look at him, the cutest thing in the desert. Also the cleanest animal as far as wildlife goes. No
ticks, fleas, or other parasites, according to a study done by the Game & Fish in Arizona.

This is not recommended but Linda has this special gift with animals. She had to move this
one out of the road. Their fur is the softest, smoothest and silkiest feeling fur of any animal.
During wet years their population explodes and during dry years it dwindles till only a small
portion of their original population remains. They are curious and seem to love to play with each
other. With those big kangaroo type back legs they can jump incredible distances.
As with any wild animal -- it's not advisable to handle them or get to close --- any wild animal
with teeth can bite you if they feel threatened.

Rock Squirrel
(Spermophilus variegatus)
Rock squirrels can be found in Southern Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico,
and Western Texas. These guys get around and it's no wonder they were found in the Valley of
Fire, Nev., Grand Canyon, and Harquahala Mt., in Arizona. The Rock Squirrel is diurnal; which
means he is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. The one pictured here was on
the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Here is one that was found on Harquahala Mountain -- See Day Trips. They live in colonies.
They eat pine nuts, walnuts, mesquite tree seeds, cactus, and agave. They also eat insects,
grasshoppers and crickets. Even though this is a ground squirrel it is also a good tree climber.
You always think of squirrels as being native to large forested areas and not necessarily living in
the desert.

Round Tailed Ground Squirrel
(Spermophilus tereticaudus)
The Round Tailed Ground Squirrel is often mistaken for a Gopher or a Prairie Dog. They have
a long rounded tail that distinguishes them from either of the above. They are called ground
squirrels because they burrow in loose soil often under mesquite trees and creosote bushes.
They have a semi-colonial social structure. They will chase away other ground squirrels that get
too close to their burrow. These guys are really cute. They go into torpor in the winter; which is a
temporary hibernation.

Harris Ground Squirrel
(Ammospermophilus harrisii)
The Harris Ground Squirrel or Yuma Antelope Squirrel is found in Southwestern Arizona and
Northwestern Mexico. They live in low arid desert with sparse vegetation. This photo shows the
body strip more clearly.

This one was photographed near Wellton, Arizona. The one above was photographed near
the Valley of Fire, Nevada at the Northernmost part of their range. In the enlargement notice the
large claws used for digging. Often mistaken as a Chipmunk. They are very similar in
appearance.

This Muskrat was photographed in the All American Canal near Yuma, Arizona. A medium-
sized semi-aquatic rodent native to North America. They cause extensive damage to canal walls
and dams. They are not however so-called "true rats". Muskrats can swim under water for up to
15 minutes. Their hind feet are semi-webbed, although when swimming they use their tail for
propulsion.
(Ondatra zibethicus)
Muskrat


Utah Prairie Dog
(Cynomys parvidens)
In summer, reddish (ranging from tawny olive to clay) above, mixed with black-tipped hairs,
slightly paler below. Short white-tipped tail, terminal half has white center.
Length = 12 to 14 1/4 "
Endangered Status - The Utah Prairie Dog is on the U. S. Endangered Species List. It is
classified as threatened in Utah. It's population "95,000" in 1920's dropped to just over "2,000"
in 1970. They have recovered somewhat and in Utah it was down listed to Threatened in 1984.
It is now being removed from Golf Courses and other areas and relocated.
The name "Rodent" conjures up some disgusting little Rat that is full of diseases. NOT
TRUE. There are Wood Rat's in the desert and I'm sure there are other species. These animals
are smart and caring with their young. They are also fun to watch. As with all wildlife, don't try to
handle them, they can bite. They are survivors.....


Photo taken on a golf course.


Colorado Chipmunk
(Neotamias quadivittatus)
They live in Colorado, Utah Arizona and New Mexico. This one was photographed in Arches
National Park, Utah. They eat seeds berries, flowers and insects. They store food in the fall for
winter use.
Photo courtesy of Gail Cook