For residents of African and Asian desert cactus not great curiosity.The inhabitants of temperate latitudes, had never seen sand dunes, it is difficult to imagine this plant under the windows of his house.The Europeans are accustomed to admire cacti in greenhouses or in pots on tables, windowsills or loggia.Despite the apparent similarities, a variety of plants mentioned is simply amazing.However, many of them are very beautiful in bloom.
those who are helpless in their own window sill and Echinopsis Mammillaria, birthplace of cactus is not very interesting.Fans of thorny domestic "pet" just grow them, enjoying the beauty and endurance of said copies and marveling at their unpretentiousness.Even if you forget the pot with a plant in the hot sun, do not water a few weeks or even months, it will not perish.Moreover, after the ordeal cactus can begin to actively grow and even bloom.
What is the homeland of cacti
If we assume that it is in Africa, the picture is quite sad.The desert can be seen as a very large and relatively small specimens, which are struggling to deal with the extreme conditions of existence.In the evolution of this type of good adapted to the heat and lack of moisture constant.The leaves have turned into a needle, to minimize exposure to sunlight, the stem has become a powerful and meaty, in order to preserve the maximum amount of water and other vital items.All cacti are distinguished by a strong root system is quite capable of making their way to the possible source of the water through the thick layers of soil.A large part of their lives is being held in complete drought and heat.Sometimes even added extreme temperatures, but it can not break the life-loving plants.But when there is rain in the desert (which happens very rarely), the birthplace of the cactus turns into a blooming paradise.
At this point revives everything: plants, insects, reptiles and other animals.For many species of flora is the only chance of reproduction, and they do not miss it.
In the Americas, the climate is less cruel, but the desert is also there.This native land of cacti more favorable to its residents, in connection with which there found a truly unique items.These are, firstly, the extremely large plants that are not found, say, in the same Africa.Secondly, America rich agave grown on a commercial scale and used for the production of ropes, cables, and tequila, and other alcoholic beverages.The economy of some countries (eg, Mexico) depends on this cactus.Third, there can be found a plant that appears on its face to this type does not include, but still belong to the family of the agave (yucca).
All these varieties are often used for decorative purposes.They thrive in southern Europe (and even in its central part).However, in case of frost cover film should be in the winter or in the greenhouse.In many parts of truckers it is now possible to see and yucca, and other types of agave.The majority of them does not know how far is the birthplace of a cactus growing on the windowsill or in the garden.
