All About Cactuses
Cactuses are plants. They live in the desert. They grow where it is hot and dry. Read on to learn more about cactuses.
Cactuses are special.
There are about 2,000 types of cactuses. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
Cactuses are desert plants.
The desert is usually very dry. When it rains, cactuses store up water. That helps them survive
Survive
JOHN E MARRIOTT/GETTY IMAGES
to continue to live
(verb)
The Arctic fox is one of few animals that are able to survive at the North Pole.
.
Cactuses have spines.
Some spines are big. Some are small. All are sharp. Spines help protect the plant from predators
Predator
WILDESTANIMAL—GETTY IMAGES
an animal that kills and eats other animals to survive
(noun)
The great white shark is a fierce predator.
.
Cactuses bloom.
They grow flowers. Some cactuses bloom for only a day. Others have flowers that open only at night.
Did You Know?
Some types of cactus can be eaten. This is a prickly pear cactus. Its fruit is sweet. Its pads are eaten as a vegetable. Yum!
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