Cactaceae is the cactus family of flowering plants, comprising over a thousand species across roughly 130 genera, native almost entirely to the Americas with one exception found in Africa and Sri Lanka. The family includes the genus Carnegiea, whose single species, the saguaro, is among the largest cacti, and members are characterized by succulent stems, spines derived from leaves, and adaptations for extreme drought tolerance.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic Distributionnative to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north, with the exception of Rhipsalis baccifera, which is also found in Africa and Sri Lanka 1 Defining Characteristicsalmost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy organs adapted to store water 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceMost species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves 1 Sources
1. Cactus - Wikipedia
Introduction, sentence 1 (rank clause)
is a member of the plant family Cactaceae
Introduction, sentence 1 (name clause)
is a member of the plant family Cactaceae
Introduction, sentence 1 (count clause)
comprising about 127 genera with some 1,750 known species
Introduction, distribution sentence
native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north, with the exception of Rhipsalis baccifera, which is also found in Africa and Sri Lanka
Introduction, adaptation sentence
almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy organs adapted to store water
Introduction, spines sentence
Most species of cacti have lost true leaves, retaining only spines, which are highly modified leaves
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.