Cacti – a friend or a foe

Cacti, with their iconic spiky exteriors and remarkable ability to thrive in arid environments, are nature’s champions of adaptation. These hardy succulents have evolved unique strategies to conserve water, such as storing it in their thick, fleshy stems and reducing moisture loss through specialized skin structures. Their striking appearances range from the towering Saguaro cactus of the American Southwest to the petite and colorful flowering varieties found in many homes. Cacti stand as symbols of resilience and beauty in some of the harshest environments on Earth, reminding us of the incredible diversity and ingenuity of plant life.