How do you explain cactus to kids?
A cactus is a plant that grows where the soil is dry and rocky—most usually in the desert. A cactus doesn’t have leaves like other plants do. A cactus has spines or thorns. The plural word for cactus is cacti.
Why does cactus grow in the desert for kids?
Cactuses, or cacti, are desert plants. They grow in dry places where other plants have trouble living. Their ability to store water keeps them alive.
How does a cactus grow in the desert?
A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include: Leaves are reduced to spines to reduce water loss through transpiration. Wide and deep roots absorb rainwater on the surface and reach the underground deep water.
What’s special about cactus?
They are stem succulents By virtue of being part of the succulent family, cacti are known to store water within its system. Unlike other succulents that store its water in the leaves, cacti do not have leaves and will let its stems take up this role. The huge, thick stem help function as a water storage ‘tank’.
How do you describe a cactus?
The word cactus describes a type of desert plant that has thick, leafless stems covered in prickly spines or sharp spikes. Cactus plants are able to thrive in dry climates because they store water in their stems. Some large cactus varieties can store an impressive amount of water.
What are the benefits of cactus plant?
A study found that eating cactus can reduce body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Incorporating cactus fruits into your diet can help reduce the risk of diseases like stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular diseases.
Why are cactus important in the desert?
Cacti play an important role in the desert ecology and are a vital source of food and water for many desert animals. Some cactus species have been utilized by humans since prehistoric times, for various purposes including food and medicinal use. They are also popular as garden and house plants.
How do desert cactus survive?
Answer : Adaptation of cactus in desert are as follows : (i) It has roots long that penetrate deep inside the soil in search water. (ii) It has fleshy stems to store water the stem is also covered with the thick waxy layer that helps to retain water.
What are the uses of cactus?
Prickly pear cactus is also used for medicine. Prickly pear cactus is used for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol hangover, colitis, diarrhea, and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It is also used to fight viral infections. In foods, the prickly pear juice is used in jellies and candies.
What are the three uses of cactus?
Different parts of the cactus can be used as fruit and vegetable for human consumption, fodder for cattle and raw material for various industries to prepare plywood, soap, dyes, adhesives and glue; pharmaceutical products for treating hypoglycemia, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, obesity and various other disorders; …
How do cactus leaves help?
The leaves of a cactus have become spines to limit the loss of water through transpiration. The plant has to prevent water loss as there is very little rainfall in the areas of the cactus.