Chapter 1
The ultimate desert survival kit
Chapter 2
Busting the Hollywood myths
Chapter 3
The great global cactus wars
Chapter 4
Cacti and the human world
Ch 1 · The ultimate desert survival kit
alicecooks These sharp structures minimize evaporation by shading the green stem and collecting microscopic water droplets from passing fog or dew.
alicecooks These desert plants store carbon dioxide in the dark to produce food during daylight.
Fun Fact
Cactus areoles: Cacti are the only plants with areoles, the small fuzzy bumps from which all flowers, spines, and branches grow.
Glossary
spine (noun)
A stiff, sharp, and pointed projection on a plant. These modified leaves provide shade and collect moisture from the wind to sustain the arid plant.
A stiff, sharp, and pointed projection on a plant. These modified leaves provide shade and collect moisture from the wind to sustain the arid plant.
Quiz
What is the scientific name of the water-saving photosynthesis process used by cacti?