Cacti are a succulent predominantly found in the deserts, usually with pointy spines.Cactus used to have true leaves, which later evolved into modified into spines. These spines are known as scales or bracts.Cacti are a type of succulent, having thick flesh. They take water from the soil and the small amount of rain where they grow. They use these growing spines for storing water to fight drought situations. The fleshy parts adapted due to the vital process of evolution help the plant survive and thrive in the desert environment. Almost all cacti have lost true leaves and have developed spines. The highly modified leaves of most species of cacti help in cleansing the air as well. They release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Cacti can be used to purify the air and reduce pollution.If you like reading this article, you might want to read about do cactus have roots and do cactus have seeds.Leaves: Function In PlantsAs we know, the leaf is a vital organ of a plant that plays multiple roles to ensure growth. Based on botany, there are four different functions of a typical leaf in a plant.Firstly, the leaf helps in preparing food through the process of photosynthesis. In the case of the cactus species like opuntia species, the leaves are modified into thorns. So the thorns help in making the food that nourishes the plant. Secondly, the leaf surface is responsible for the process of transpiration that loses the subsequent amount of water. Thirdly, guttation takes place. Guttation is an elimination of the xylem from the leaves, which occurs due to excess water in the soil. Lastly, the spines and the thorns act as protection from various species. The spines of the cacti also help in preventing excessive water loss.Leaves: Significance In PlantsA typical leaf of a typical plant is basically an organ of the plant which is revealed to the environment. One of the major significances of the leaf is to allow the air flow that takes place between the plant and the environment.The leaf helps in making food for the plants through a process called photosynthesis. The leaf modification has small openings that control losing water through transpiration. At times the leaf gets modified into thorns to store water and protect itself. The desert plants need to protect themselves from the desert animal species and the scorching heat. The larger the leaf area, the higher the rate of photosynthesis. The greater the area, the higher the chances of water loss through transpiration. This tissue decides the amount of the little water lost through the process.Cactus Adaptations For Survival In The DesertAs we know, cacti grow in hot and warm temperatures of tropical areas. So they need to grow through multiple adaptations, such as growing spines, to survive and thrive in the desert habitat.The adaptations are either concerned with surviving the weather or protecting themselves. Most cacti in the desert region have adapted several characteristics to protect themselves from scorching hot light and desert animal species. Cactus stems are have undergone leaf modification to store as much water as possible during the light rains. The waxy coating on the leaf surface helps in storing water. Apart from the rains, the extensive root system of most cacti can go deep within the soil to absorb water. The growing spines of desert plants prevent water loss. The cactus spines not only prevent water loss but simultaneously help in the protection of the plant from animals. The stems of cacti are usually modified to aid in the preparation of food through the process of photosynthesis.How does photosynthesis take place without leaves in the cactus?Like most cacti, the plants in the desert habitat do not have true leaves. Instead of the traditional leaves, these succulent plants have modified the leaves into spines and scales. These plants are known to have an extensive root system that helps the plants prepare food and survive in a dry environment. They also have an evolved stem that has been designed to be able to perform leaf functions in some cases.The warm temperatures and the dry environment have made the leaves turn into spines not to lose water through transpiration. Most plants in the desert have green stems and branches that help them survive. Quite a few desert plants also have thorns or spines. Apart from that, many cacti require sunlight to survive. Usually, the position where the cactus is facing the south has been considered the best for them. However, too much direct sunlight might cause the color of the cactus to change from green to yellow. So the exposure to the sunlight required to survive is not for long periods. But in the desert, the cacti are exposed to the light for long periods. However, a few cacti exist without any spine and are considered low-light cacti.Along with the sunlight, the plants, lacking traditional leaves, have small openings on the stems called stomata to absorb carbon dioxide from the air. The modified stems also have a little water stored in them. So combining all these elements, the surface area of the modified stem is used to prepare food for the plant through photosynthesis. The cactus not only prepares food for itself but also gives out oxygen in the air.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for do cactus have leaves, a thorny matter resolved on dessert plants, then why not take a look at why do we have toenails, know all fun facts about human nails or why do plants need water, plant growth facts to know?
Cacti are a succulent predominantly found in the deserts, usually with pointy spines.
