Cactus Scientific Name, Plant, Flower, Fruit, and Types

What is the scientific name for a cactus? The cactus scientific name is Cactaceae (family).

People recognize cacti for their ability to survive in dry and desert regions. The most common types of cacti are the Saguaro cactus, San Pedro cactus, Christmas cactus, and Prickly Pear cactus. Each cactus type has its own binomial name, structure, flowers, and fruits. Knowledge of cactus scientific names, types, and various uses is helpful information for gardeners, researchers, and plant enthusiasts.

This article covers cactus scientific names, classifications, flowers, fruits, and their significance.

What is the Cactus Scientific Name?

The cactus’s scientific name depends on the species. A cactus belongs to the family Cactaceae under the Plantae kingdom.

• Genus: Varies (Carnegiea, Echinopsis, Schlumbergera, Opuntia, etc.)
• Species: Varies depending on type

The word cactus comes from the Greek word kaktos. Botanists prefer to name all cacti with a two-part scientific name based on genus and species. The scientific name for the Saguaro cactus is Carnegiea gigantea.

Biological Classification of Cactus

Cactus Types and Scientific Names

There are over 1,700 species of cacti, which can be broadly categorized into main types based on their shape, size, and growth habits. Knowledge of cactus classifications is useful for making determinations, gardening, and studying the scientific names of cacti.

1. Columnar Cactus Scientific Names

• These are tall-in-the-air cacti, which stand erect like columns.
• Features of Columnar Cactus: Tall-stemmed, with several arms, flowers on top, adapted to desert regions.

2. Globular Cactus Botanical Names

• Cactus in a round or ball shape.
• Features of globular cactus: Spherical body; spines rimming the body; small flowers on the top.

3. Opuntia or Pad Cactus Latin Names

• These are either flat pads or jointed stems, known as prickly pears.
• Features: Pads store water, produce edible fruits called tunas, and flowers grow from the edges of pads.

4.Epiphytic Cactus Biological Names

• Cactuses that grow on trees and rocks and do not grow in soil.
• Epiphytic Cactus Features: The rainforest habitat, shade-loving, colourful flowers, chief ones for interiors.

5. Creeping and Climbing Cactus

• Cacti that spread along the ground or climb by long stems.
• Features: Thin-stemmed, climbing type, large flowers, fruits including dragon fruit.

6. Rare and Decorative Cactus

• Unique species grown for decoration or collection.
• Decorative features: Small, colorful, often grafted, grown as an ornamental cactus.

Cactus Flower and Fruit

Cactus Flowers:

Cactus flowers are important for pollination and survival purposes. The scientific name of a cactus is closely related to its flower pattern. Most cactus flowers bloom in the morning and evening, depending on the species they belong to.

• Saguaro cactus flowers were declared the official state flower of Arizona.
• San Pedro cactus flowers have been specialized for night opening to attract moths and bats.
• Christmas cactus flowers open to bloom during the winter holiday.
• Prickly Pear cactus flowers would lure bees and insects to pollinate.

Cactus flowers do have the shortest period within their life cycle; however, they play a significant role in reproduction.

Cactus Fruits:

Cactus fruits are edible in many species. Cactus fruit contains seeds for reproduction and is food for animals and humans.

• Saguaro fruits are red and eaten by desert birds and native people.
• Prickly Pear fruits are sweet and juicy. It is used for jams, drinks, and medicine.
• San Pedro fruits are small and are less commonly used to make food.
• Christmas cactus fruits grow rarely at home, but come up under natural conditions.

Cactus fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are used for hydration and nutrition in arid regions.

Uses of Cactus Fruits and Pads

• Food: Prickly Pear pads (called nopal) and fruits-they are eaten as vegetables and fruits.
• Medicine: Cactus fruit extracts in digestion, skin care, and hydration.
• Decoration: The Christmas cactus is much appreciated as an indoor plant.
• Support wildlife: The Saguaro cactus fruits provide food to birds, bats, and animals.

Adaptations and Growth of Cactus

Cactus survives because of its special adaptations:

• Stems store water because they are thick.
• Water loss occurs in the spines of the cactus that protect its interior from animals.
• Root systems are shallow, spreading wide to collect the rainwater that falls.
• It flowers at particular times to attract pollinators.

These features, make cacti some of the toughest plants in the desert.

Names of cactus in Different Languages

Conclusion

The scientific name of a cactus helps us establish an identity for each species. Plants such as the Saguaro cactus, San Pedro cactus, Christmas cactus, and Prickly Pear cactus differ in their flowers and fruits, serving an array of purposes. Cacti are plants that live in the desert. They are also grown as indoor plants. Knowledge of scientific names, types, flowers, and fruits of cactus gives insight to plant enthusiasts, gardeners, and researchers.

Cacti aren’t just desert survivors. They also provide food, medicine, and attractions.

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