If we turn to the etymology of the origin of the word "cactus", we will find out that in ancient Greece any unknown plant was called that. But in 1737, the famous scientist Karl Linney introduced the name "cacti" into scientific circulation to denote a particular type of plant.
Of course, this is one of the most amazing plants, and began to grow on Earth about 30-35 million years ago. But back to the present, and find out what is the largest cactus in the world, as well as some interesting facts related to this giant plant.
Ferocactus
This plant of cylindrical or spherical shape grows in the vastness of North America, and easily adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert states of Utah and New Mexico.
One species of Ferocactus pilosus can grow up to 4 and a half meters in height, and in diameter up to 1 meter. Only old plants bloom, and the flowers themselves are large enough red and yellowish.
For the first time, mankind learned about this amazing cactus at the beginning of the XVIII century, when William Houston described a new species discovered in Mexico.
Giant carnegia
This giant plant is the size of a tree in Mexico, and locals and scientists often call it Saguaro. These plants can be found in the southern United States, in Arizona and California.
In height, this amazing plant of the cactus family can reach 18 meters. Like all cacti, studded with prickly needles, growing up to 7 centimeters.
Previously, Cereus belonged to the large genus, but over time, biologists separated Carnegia into a separate genus, named after the American Andrew Carnegie. The largest cactus of Carnegie was discovered in Arizona in 1998, and its height today is 17 meters 65 centimeters.
Cereus
An amazing plant has a cylindrical stem, and these cacti grow up to 20 meters in height. But there are also low species that grow in the form of a bush.
The vegetation period can be 300 years, so in the terrestrial flora cereus are considered long-livers. Surprisingly, the fruits of this prickly plant are edible, and more than once saved the life of travelers in the desert.
The birthplace of the most unique giant is the West Indies, as well as the desert territories of South and North America.
California giant, the largest cactus is from the genus Cereus giganteus.
In the photo: Cereus giganteus
10 interesting facts about a giant cactus:
- This cactus, 25 meters high, is a symbol of the state of Arizona, and its record sizes are listed on the pages of the Guinness Book of Records.
- Surprisingly, this giant in the first 10 years of life grows by only two centimeters, so you can rightfully call it the slowest not only in the cactus family, but also of all plants on the planet.
- As soon as the cactus overcomes the mark of 30 years, the active growth of the plant begins, and this is only a quarter of the life of Cereus.
- The cylindrical trunk stretches up, and only at the age of 70 the growth of lateral branches begins.
- Despite the fact that there are record cacti of this species, the average height of the Cereus is 12-15 meters.
- Naturally. With such a huge size, the weight of the plant reaches from 6 to 10 tons. So this is also one of the heaviest plants.
- It is known that cacti quite easily tolerate the absence of moisture and high temperatures, accumulating liquid in themselves. So, if you pass an ordinary medium-sized Cereus through a press, then we get about 2 tons of liquid.
- The trunk and branches of a giant cactus often become home to the few inhabitants of the desert. Owls, woodpeckers, mice, and also some species of snakes live with pleasure in them.
- These cacti are fruitful plants, and the giant fruits of the largest cactus can be eaten. In addition, they are very nutritious, but locals make an alcoholic drink from the trunk and fruits.
- Cereus at the age of 50 begins to bloom. Flowers bloom usually at night and in diameter reach 25 centimeters.
In conclusion, some more photos of amazingly large cacti ...
"Fluffy"
This desert inhabitant is so dotted with needles that it seems quite soft and fluffy.
Lonely giant
The giant Cereus, growing in splendid isolation, perfectly smothers against the backdrop of the desert and mountain peaks. Color adds a bright blue sky over the cactus.
Fortress wall
The cactus colony formed a kind of fortress wall, which will be difficult to take during the assault. Growing together, cacti thus increase their survival.
Villager
This tall cactus grew on a rocky slope very close to a small village.
Spherical
Such large sizes allow these amazing plants to retain a lot of moisture. This is a very original form of water storage.
In the town
The needle giant is conveniently located on a city street, and judging by the size, it feels great.
By the road
Did you think your car is big? But next to such a giant who grew up on the road, the steel horse seems very tiny.
As you can see, cacti are truly amazing and bizarre plants that, in the course of evolution, have adapted to the difficult conditions of their habitat. And many species, albeit not so large, have long migrated from the expanses of deserts and rocky hills to the windowsills of our houses and apartments.
Article author: Valery Skiba