What kind of stem does a cactus have

The roots of cacti are shallow and may be widely spread in the soil. The flowers of cacti are usually perfect bisexual , containing both male reproductive organs stamens and female parts a pistil. The flowers occur singly, rather than in groups, although many discrete flowers may be present on a cactus at the same time. The flowers of most species of cacti are large and showy, and they can be colored white, red, pink, orange, or yellow, but not blue. The sepals of the calyx are petal-like in shape and color , and they combine with the numerous petals to form an attractive, often richly scented, nectar-producing flower , designed to lure such pollinators as hawk-moths, bees , bats , and birds , especially hummingbirds and small doves.

The fruit is a many-seeded berry. Many cacti have very long, fibrous roots, which absorb moisture from the soil. Some, like ball cacti, have shorter, more compact roots that absorb dew water that falls off the cactus. Instead of leaves, most cacti have spines or scales which are modified leaves.

Alerts In Effect Dismiss. Dismiss View all alerts. A close up view of a yellow cactus flower. NPS Photo. Last updated: January 11, Other Life Forms. Flowers of Arches. Stay Connected. Cacti have been introduced to many other parts of the world. In Australia the prickly pear cactus was introduced, and has grown so well that it has become a pest. One way of seeing how well a cactus is adapted to a dry habitat is to compare it with a plant that can only live where there is some moisture all through the year.

A plant loses water though its leaves. If there is plenty of water in the soil this is not a problem, and the plant may have huge numbers of large leaves. The leaves may be set out on a large branching stem like that of a broad-leaved tree. This arrangement of leaves and stem is totally unsuitable for living in dry conditions.