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| Plants adapted to dry or desert type conditions are collectively known as the xerophytes. Many different plant families have xerophytic representatives. Succulents are xerophytes that have developed storage structures, in which they can store water, enabling them to survive during periods of drought. Succulents occur throughout much of the world, often existing in environmental niches that would otherwise be unoccupied.Since the bulk of succulents are found in arid regions, they are most often associated with deserts, but, in fact, only a small percentage of succulent species actually occur in extremely arid areas. | |
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The Cactus family, or Cactaceae, is one of the worlds largest families of succulents, containing around 2,500 species. Cacti are New World plants, native to the Americas. One of the most recognizable charateristics of a cactus plant is its sharp spines. The spines are actually modified leaves. In some species the spines are the remnants of the petoile or leaf base. Thorns, on the other hand, are formed from modified branches. These are less common among cacti and succulents. Cacti also have glochids, tufts of bristley hairs used for protection. The glochids can be short tufts as in the case of the Cinnamon Cactus (Opuntia microdasys v. rufida) or longer hairs. Cacti flowers tend to be showy. Opuntia mackenseni pictured top left. |
 Opuntia microdasys v. rufida (Cinnamon Cactus) Photo by: Andrew G. Seymour |
 Euphorbia millii flowers  Colorful red bracts of the Poinsettia |
The Spurge family, or Euphorbiaceae, also has many xerophytic representatives with over 8,000 species ranging from annual herbs to large trees. Although more widely dispersed, these plants are largely Old World species. In contrast to the showy flowers of the cacti, the flowers of Euphorbias are reduced in size to help the plant conserve water and energy. The most widely recognized Euphorbia is probably the Christmas Poinsettia. The small flowers are clustered in the center and surrounded by colorful bracts which look like petals. Like cacti, many of the Euphorbias have spines for protection. They also have a milky sap which in some species is poisonous. If ingested, it can cause serious illness or even death and if the sap contacts skin it may cause dermatitis. |
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Succulent flowers are most often pollinated by insects or birds, with a few being wind pollinated. Although some plants produce large colorful flowers, they often only last for a short period. Producing large flowers requires a great deal of energy and the loss of precious water. For this reason, many species have evolved the ability to flower simultaneously. This may help to ensure their mutual pollination. Others flower at night using the help of animals such as bats for pollinating. These flowers will only open at night, but have a pungent smell that attracts the bats. |
 Gymnocalycium denudatum (Spider Cactus) Photo by: Andrew G. Seymour |