cactuss

Cactuss is not a recognized botanical term. It is commonly a misspelling of cactus or cacti. The proper terms refer to a single plant as a cactus and to multiple plants as cacti or cactuses.

Cacti are succulent flowering plants in the family Cactaceae. They are native to the Americas and are adapted to arid environments. Typical features include thick, photosynthetic stems, areoles from which spines or hairlike protuberances arise, and a waxy cuticle to reduce water loss. Most species perform CAM photosynthesis, opening their stomata at night to conserve water.

Distribution and habitat: Cacti range from the southwestern United States and Mexico southward through Central America to Patagonia and parts of Argentina and Chile. They inhabit deserts, scrublands, and rocky slopes and can grow as shrubs, columnar, or globular forms. Epiphytic cacti inhabit tropical forests in some areas.

Cultivation and care: Most cacti require bright light, well-draining soil, and infrequent thorough watering. Water when the soil is dry, reduce watering in winter, and provide good air circulation. Use a cactus- or succulent-specific soil mix; repot only when roots fill the pot.

Ecology and uses: Cacti are pollinated by bats, bees, and moths, depending on species. Spines deter herbivores and reduce water loss. Many species are used ornamentally, and several edible cacti such as prickly pear (Opuntia) fruits are consumed.

Conservation: Habitat loss, climate change, and overcollection threaten some cacti. Several species are protected under conservation laws, and sustainable cultivation is encouraged.