What Does Cactus Mean
The term cactus comes from the Latin language , although its etymological root is found in the Greek káktos . The concept refers to a plant that belongs to the cactus family .
Cacti, also called cacti , are part of the group of succulents or succulents : plants that have a modified organ or sector to store a higher amount of water than other species can contain. This makes it possible for cacti to survive in desert regions with a very dry climate.
Originally from the American continent, cacti have spread across much of the planet. Cacti can be differentiated from other succulents by the presence of an areola , which is an axillary bud where spines grow . It should be noted that there are about two hundred genera of cacti with more than two thousand documented species: that is why there are cacti of multiple sizes and shapes.
In addition to the great variety that we can appreciate in the physical aspect of cacti, we must point out that these plants have a truly admirable capacity for adaptation , since they have been able to go from living in the desert to fulfilling a merely ornamental function within the home, or in gardens in different parts of the world, with very different climates. The great versatility of the cactus is due in part to the fact that it does not require much attention or special care to survive.
A detail that not many know about cacti is that they are capable of absorbing radiation emanating from electronic devices, so their presence in the home is ideal to minimize the damage caused by mobile phones, televisions and computers. , among others of the unavoidable devices today.
In addition to this property and its ornamental function, the cactus brings different benefits to human beings, which is why many people place it among their favorite plants. According to various studies, it is ideal for work environments because they reduce the chances of stress , and in classrooms because they increase the degree of concentration of students.
Like any other plant, the cactus improves the quality of the air we breathe, and generates positive sensations, because contact with nature moves us to the depths of our being, where we have not looked for dozens of generations. A cactus in the home also serves to level the humidity of the air and purify it; This helps prevent dry skin, throat, and mucous membranes, as well as irritation and coughing.
In a similar way to what happens with humidity, plants absorb chemicals that are harmful to our health and dust from the air. It is curious that the cactus has a threatening appearance, with immense thorns that make us feel danger, since it is a considerably beneficial plant for us. As in all cases, it is not a magic potion that can improve our life in an instant; we must receive it at home in a genuine way so that it becomes part of our daily life in harmony.
The development of the tissue known as parenchyma makes the cactus stem thick. The stem shape can be cylindrical, spherical or flattened according to the species . The flowers of these plants, on the other hand, are usually hermaphroditic.
Currently many species of cacti are cultivated for ornamental purposes . This is how we can find cacti in gardens, parks and other open spaces: There are even cacti that can be grown indoors.
The fruit of certain species of cactus is known as nopal or prickly pear. This fruit, once the thorns and skin are removed, is edible. It is also used to make juices, jams and other food products .