succulente

Succulentes, or succulents, are plants that store water in thickened tissues of leaves, stems, or roots. They are not a single taxonomic group; rather, a functional category that includes many families such as Cactaceae (cacti), Crassulaceae (including Echeveria and Crassula), Aizoaceae, Euphorbiaceae (some euphorbias), and Asphodelaceae (aloes). The ability to retain water helps them endure arid or seasonally dry environments, and many are popular as ornamental plants in homes and landscapes.

Common adaptations include fleshy, water‑holding tissues, a waxy cuticle, and often reduced or modified leaves. Many succulents perform crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which improves water-use efficiency by opening stomata at night. Some species have spines or bracts, and root systems can be shallow and extensive to quickly exploit brief rains. Morphology varies widely, from compact rosettes to tall stems, and colors range from green to red, blue, or gray, influenced by light and temperature.

Diversity and distribution are broad, with succulents found on every continent except Europe’s polar regions. They occupy deserts, semi-arid savannas, rocky slopes, and some epiphytic habitats in tropical forests. Cultivation emphasizes well‑draining soil, bright light, and careful watering—allowing the soil to dry between waterings to avoid rot. Overwatering is a common cause of decline.

Propagation is often easy: leaf or stem cuttings, offsets, or seed. Beyond ornamentals, some succulents have uses in medicine or horticultural trade. Caution is advised since some species are toxic to pets or humans, so species-specific guidance is recommended.