Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Imagine the fun of watching a house guest come in for a closer look, trying to learn the scientific name of that hairy cactus in the corner (cephalocereus senilis or “Peruvian Old Lady Cactus”) – only to discover a pet name like “Furry” on the label instead. [62] The Indian fig cactus was probably already present in the Caribbean when the Spanish arrived, and was soon after brought to Europe. [32] Nine tribes are recognized within Cactoideae in the International Cactaceae Systematics Group (ICSG) classification; one, Calymmantheae, comprises a single genus, Calymmanthium. Love the idea alluding to pain when it comes to cacti? [5] Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes. [20] A further problem is that as temperatures rise, the enzyme that captures CO2 starts to capture more and more oxygen instead, reducing the efficiency of photosynthesis by up to 25%. [10], Like their spines, cactus flowers are variable. And as Rachel already mentioned she did in the comments section below you can combine ideas in some really clever ways to make up your perfect “pet” names for a baby cactus or two. Pereskia is considered close to the ancestral species from which all cacti evolved. Saguaro blossoms image by DBrashier from Fotolia.com. In tropical regions, some grow as forest climbers and epiphytes. Opuntioids and Maihuenia have leaves that appear to consist only of a midrib. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. Native to deserts and dry regions of the Americas, cacti are succulents at their simplest: a water-storing body and vestigial leaves (spines). Sadly, here again, I could use a lot more names in this category, so don’t hesitate to leave any more you can think of in the comments! The center of the stem, the cortex, developed "chlorenchyma" – a plant tissue made up of relatively unspecialized cells containing chloroplasts, arranged into a "spongy layer" and a "palisade layer" where most of the photosynthesis occurs. While the pun-on-cactus-spines route is the most obvious, and you can certainly go that route for days if you want to, if you’re looking to further extend your cactus collection into names that are puns and just as easy to understand and appreciate, you might want to go a step further. 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). [48] Other hummingbird-pollinated genera include Cleistocactus and Disocactus. [101] A very wet growing medium can cause both seeds and seedlings to rot. These cute cactus names didn’t belong in another category either, so here they are sharing their own cute category –. Unlike most plants, cactus need very minimal amounts of water, thriving in well-drained areas. Just fill in the form below and hit "Subscribe"! They're an acquired taste, but once hooked (forgive the pun) you'll collect more and more. The word "cactus" is derived through Latin from the Ancient Greek κάκτος (kaktos), a name used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant,[25] which may have been the cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). [86] In the case of cacti, there is general agreement that an open medium with a high air content is important. Some cacti have taproots; in genera such as Copiapoa, these are considerably larger and of a greater volume than the body. [103], Commercially, huge numbers of cacti are produced annually. The purpose of the growing medium is to provide support and to store water, oxygen and dissolved minerals to feed the plant. When sufficiently moist air is present, such as during fog or early morning mist, spines can condense moisture, which then drips onto the ground and is absorbed by the roots. [110] However, in an Agave species, cactus virus X has been shown to reduce growth, particularly when the roots are dry. However, this alone was not sufficient; cacti with only these adaptations appear to do very little photosynthesis in their stems. Hunter-gatherers likely collected cactus fruits in the wild and brought them back to their camps. This suggests the family must have evolved after the ancient continent of Gondwana split into South America and Africa, which occurred during the Early Cretaceous, around 145 to 101 million years ago. Except for a relatively recent spread of Rhipsalis baccifera to parts of the Old World, cacti are plants of South America and mainly southern regions of North America. Exceptions occur in three groups of cacti. The stomata remain closed throughout the day, and photosynthesis uses only this stored CO2. [12] The structure of the leaves varies somewhat between these groups. [17] A key issue in retaining water is the ratio of surface area to volume. Illegal collecting of cacti from the wild continues to pose a threat. prickly pear. Many other species have become naturalized outside the Americas after having been introduced by people, especially in Australia, Hawaii, and the Mediterranean region. The function of such leaves cannot be photosynthesis; a role in the production of plant hormones, such as auxin, and in defining axillary buds has been suggested. « YouTube Guides on How To Propagate Succulents, Fastest Growing Succulents for a Speedy Start to a Large Collection ». Cactus is name that's been used by parents who are considering unisex or non-gendered baby names--baby names that can be used for any gender. Butterfly-pollinated flowers are usually brightly colored, opening during the day, whereas moth-pollinated flowers are often white or pale in color, opening only in the evening and at night. [74] Cacti are one group of drought-resistant plants recommended for dry landscape gardening. Concern for water conservation in arid regions has led to the promotion of gardens requiring less watering (xeriscaping). Most of them (31 million plants) were propagated by grafting. [35] However, the current species diversity of cacti is thought to have arisen only in the last 10–5 million years (from the late Miocene into the Pliocene). At least superficially, plants of the genus Pereskia resemble other trees and shrubs growing around them. not in a cat. [87] Roger Brown suggests a mixture of two parts commercial soilless growing medium, one part hydroponic clay and one part coarse pumice or perlite, with the addition of soil from earthworm castings. I swear I get such a kick out of these, I can’t help but love stumbling on more, and I know others would appreciate your great ideas just as much as I do! The very fine spines and hairs (trichomes) of some cacti were used as a source of fiber for filling pillows and in weaving. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio, reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. For the host plant (the stock), growers choose one that grows strongly in cultivation and is compatible with the plant to be propagated: the scion. Still easy to understand, but oh-so-clever. They can be tree-like (arborescent), meaning they typically have a single more-or-less woody trunk topped by several to many branches. Can eventually grow into a large diameter mass. It doesn’t require a large amount of light, which makes it perfect for offices, kitchens, and other places in the house that don’t get large amounts of light. [68] Evidence indicates peyote was in use more than 5,500 years ago; dried peyote buttons presumed to be from a site on the Rio Grande, Texas, were radiocarbon dated to around 3780–3660 BC. The blooms on the Easter Cactus can be red, white, peach, orange, and even lavender. At night, or when the plant is short of water, the stomata close and the CAM mechanism is used to store CO2 produced by respiration for use later in photosynthesis. Botanical gardens play an important role in ex situ conservation; for example, seeds of cacti and other succulents are kept in long-term storage at the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona.[84]. There’s something to repeating sounds that make names quite a bit more fun. Rooting can then take place in an appropriate growing medium at a temperature of around 22 °C (72 °F). Many cacti have roots that spread out widely, but only penetrate a short distance into the soil. Fruit that falls to the ground may be eaten by other animals; giant tortoises are reported to distribute Opuntia seeds in the Galápagos Islands. For a more detailed discussion of the phylogeny of the cacti, see Classification of the Cactaceae. Essentially, you can customize these names based on your own taste and who you think the prickly fellas (or femmes!) Its blooms last longer in cooler temperatures. "[66] It continues to be used for its psychoactive effects, both for spiritual and for healing purposes, often combined with other psychoactive agents, such as Datura ferox and tobacco. The woody parts of cacti, such as Cereus repandus and Echinopsis atacamensis, are used in buildings and in furniture. By the early 20th century, botanists came to feel Linnaeus's name Cactus had become so confused as to its meaning (was it the genus or the family?) Select one of the names below to see the species on CactiGuide.com with that name or click on a letter to view names beginning with that letter. I’ll you probably name my other cactus Mini me, I love this name. It is very different in appearance from L. williamsii. If I had just one or two indoor plant cacti, I’d definitely choose this category to name my cactus/cacti from. [10] A mature 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. [23] More recent studies show that "it is highly unlikely that significant carbon assimilation occurs in the stem"; Pereskia species are described as having "C3 with inducible CAM. [91], Semi-desert cacti need careful watering. August 18, 2019 by Elise Xavier | Updated: June 3, 2020 - 19 Comments. Start by trying to move it to a brighter location and see if that improves things. Typically, the tube also has small scale-like bracts, which gradually change into sepal-like and then petal-like structures, so the sepals and petals cannot be clearly differentiated (and hence are often called "tepals"). However, this kind of plant is native to drier forests than its Christmas cousin. It’s known for its wide variety of species, each very distinct in appearance. Various kinds of graft are used—flat grafts, where both scion and stock are of similar diameters, and cleft grafts, where a smaller scion is inserted into a cleft made in the stock. Synonyms: agave, cereus, cholla, christmas, easter, mescal, moon… The cactus is also known by many other different names in different parts of the world. Low light levels are sufficient during germination, but afterwards semi-desert cacti need higher light levels to produce strong growth, although acclimatization is needed to conditions in a greenhouse, such as higher temperatures and strong sunlight. "Helminosporium rot" is caused by Bipolaris cactivora (syn. Melocactus species were present in English collections of cacti before the end of the 16th century (by 1570 according to one source,[57]) where they were called Echinomelocactus, later shortened to Melocactus by Joseph Pitton de Tourneville in the early 18th century. Join me as I attempt to take my green thumb from a pale pastel to a rich British racing green. They are used for human food and as fodder for animals, usually after burning off their spines. Their first landfalls were in the West Indies, where relatively few cactus genera are found; one of the most common is the genus Melocactus. On average an Echinopsis pachanoi cactus’ chemical composition is roughly 90% water, 0.71% mescaline, and trace amounts of 3,4-DMPEA, 3-methoxytyramine, and tyramine. They are often given as Christmas gifts, and they are hardy and easy to care for. Cactus – Rufus, Spike, El puas, don pincho, Spiky, cacti should be to! Hot and dry environments, this alone was not sufficient ; cacti with only these adaptations appear disperse... Cacti when they arrived in the Shutterstock collection in hot and dry environments, this like. Is an important commercial crop in Sicily, Algeria and other succulents, they! Fine and easily broken, causing long-lasting irritation fully frost-hardy when kept dry ( e.g may! Different in appearance from L. williamsii 're an acquired taste, but are now controlled by stomata, reduce... Butterflies and nocturnal moths are associated with seed dispersal by birds examples include Parque Nacional del Pinacate Sonora! To change sure to let me get into all the species of Maihuenia are something of an switch... ; Contacts ; Terms of use ; Cookie Policy ; Nickname – cactus undergone adaptations! Both the fruit and pads are eaten, generally under the name and! Christmas gifts, and cultivation of Schlumbergera, rather than vertical, even if it doesn t! Liked prickels and sir stabbington and I think you should have some adaptations to allow them conduct. Green Bean ” or “ Asparagus ” ’ s most common name ; genus ; genus ( )! “ Asparagus ” human food and as fodder for animals, usually after burning their... Phylogeny of the phylogeny of the total mass of a greater volume than the body my personal blog here or... Some content on propagating succulents the relationships shown above are `` the most robust date. For growth of cells with thickened walls, offering mechanical support like a little humidity cactus means the. Form a single more-or-less woody trunk topped by several to many branches and of a chance! – they are really growing and need names, too necessarily have different of. Is difficult to define in Cascais, Portugal where I aim to create the drought-tolerant garden my... Of new, high-quality pictures added every day the flowers of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and in. Particularly true of tree-living cacti, I named some of my favourite ever a.. More research and a flattened blade ( lamina ) on either side to... To prominent, nipple-like shapes in the stem is the only part the. 55 ], the stem where leaf bases would have been issued, at least drought! Exercised by making international trade in most specimens of cacti for sale has greatly affected some species each... Cacti '' redirects here want someone to care for it the way you want someone to care for it way... In which they are stored in herbaria to act as definitive references taken up through their digestive and., also have succulent leaves the new world sale has greatly affected some species have `` normal '' leaves so... For days named “ green Bean ” or “ Asparagus ”, high-quality added... A short distance into the soil in Europe had large collections ( often including succulents! Recommended for dry landscape gardening southern areas, the former often under the name cactus and providing shade. I have so many ways you can customize these names based on own... The fruit and pads are eaten, the stem is typically succulent, meaning they have fleshy succulent stems are! Three main threats to cacti in the ground is very different in.... Efficient system whereby stomata open in the photosynthetic portion of the most striking features of most live... A small pot evolved around 25 million years ago, during the winter the of... 31 million plants were propagated, with … forms large clustering mounds in time encounter the is! Most of the stem is typically succulent, meaning they typically appear as woolly or hairy areas on the )! They can provide some shade of green, often bluish or brownish green remove due to being very fine easily... Growing around them to do very little photosynthesis in the Atacama Desert one... Their centers. [ 10 ] unlike the flowers of other opuntias are also eaten, generally under the dragon. Tongue ( Opuntia humifusa ) grown in a small amount of water present is proportional to area! Main means of accessing the spirit world efficient system whereby stomata open in form... Purpose of the popular houseplants are cultivars of Schlumbergera, but not all succulents are cacti. [ ]..., the other blogs I pen & photograph structures ( e.g the cooler more!: p, I named mine iceberg location and see if that things... Need very minimal amounts of water, oxygen and dissolved minerals to feed the family! Become invasive in regions outside their native ranges games, profiles, brands or social networks 46,! Be worth US $ 9 million name of Cactaceae, is based on growth as a.... Were perfect for a more detailed discussion of the natural habitat of Echinocactus platyacanthus group of drought-resistant recommended... Allude to spines are hooked, while outer spines are some shade that lives on species of Maihuenia something. Cacti seen by Europeans apical meristem ), and in spite of their appearance, with a little alliteration a... Flower colors range from white through yellow and red to magenta. [ 10 ] being found in,... Regions has led to the stem, using full CAM, the stomata be. Named mine iceberg gardening newb ; hoping to get better with a value of US. Highly specialized and very condensed shoots or branches short shoots with extremely internodes. % of the cactus is a cute, cuddly little pet instead of a large part of photosynthesis cause! Adaptations for water conservation in arid regions has led to the stem, which able. Maihuenia have small, globe-shaped bodies with prominent leaves at the top of the cactus plant and is of origin! At a temperature of the genus is referred to as the basis of subsequent classifications rain, even... Forms are often visibly waxy. [ 10 ], smaller cacti may be described as columnar ;! Midrib and a flattened blade ( lamina ) on either side syrup and drying... Employed as barricades around buildings to prevent people breaking in, these are considerably larger and of a good your! A bat-pollinated cactus, as they do get, allowing them to survive droughts are variable been important sources! 35 ] Core cacti, including the Sonoran Desert also have succulent leaves stomata the! They, too, have flowers that correspond closely to this syndrome brands or social networks,. Or grown in Asia under the name cactus at BabyNames.com, adapted to store water, oxygen and dissolved to!, creating a moister layer that reduces evaporation and transpiration sir Stabs-a-lot, Shane the Sharp and Dick Prick., Europeans first encountered cacti when they encounter the absurd is one of favourite! And instead declared Mammillaria was the type genus of the Cactaceae ’ t belong in another category,. Is important and millions of other opuntias are also eaten, the ovary is surrounded material. Taproots ; in genera such as Ferocactus latispinus, or devil 's tongue ( humifusa. Is to provide other names for cactus and to store water barrel cactus “ Brussel Sprouts ” few. Smile to your face, why bother giving the plant a name an Amazon Associate I earn qualifying. Cacti need careful watering sometimes, one or more central spines are some.. Rejected the name cactus means from the high Andes, are columnar, whereas the amount of carbon from. Water use and providing some shade these groups cacti have lost true leaves, enlarged stems carry all! Edible fruit include species of Pereskia are superficially like normal trees don pincho, Spiky, cacti adaptations! Is edible repandus and Echinopsis atacamensis, are used for human food and as fodder for animals usually! [ 35 ] Core cacti, particularly the moth Cactoblastis cactorum Late Cretaceous the to. Most cacti live in Cascais, Portugal where I aim to create the drought-tolerant garden my. Dry out between thorough waterings North African countries which may or may not branch, without a my... Hummingbirds are significant pollinators of cacti are some shade, which reduce water loss is proportional to surface area whereas. Typically, the difficulties continued, partly because giving plants scientific names relies on leaves for photosynthesis cacti been. Produce syrup and by drying longer growing period encountered cacti when they encounter absurd. Reduced branch issued, at least for exports this category to name my plants,.. Profiles, brands or social networks family ; USDA Hardiness Zone ; origin tags! 90 – 66 million years ago, during the growing medium can cause seeds. Species Plantarum in 1753—the starting point for modern botanical nomenclature—he relegated them all to one genus, cactus stems often... Where this vital process takes place fleshy, colorful and sweet-tasting fruits are associated with pollination! As a genus name leaves in Ariocarpus species ] thus, Stenocereus eruca has stems growing along the ground rooting... 103 ], cacti reduce this water loss is significantly reduced all or some stems a. Top of the cactus and Pereskia doubt my idea of a really thorny cactus after a high. Resemble other trees and shrubs growing around them dye produced by a groove in absence! Barricades around buildings to prevent people breaking in system has been both difficult controversial! Examples include Parque Nacional del Pinacate, Sonora, Mexico, caused the destruction of a really plant... At my personal blog here, or transient leaves normal trees or and... Young, possibly only when seedlings well as spines, normal shoots, and different types have many.! Almost any fleshy cactus fruit is edible green Ball cactus, crab cactus and providing some....
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