Australian Cactus

Australian Cactus have the ability to retain water within their bulbs for arid climates. The water is stored and used sparingly and only when essential for survival

Cacti also have the ability to protect themselves from preys such as animals intent on eating them for their water supply.

These Cacti grow spines throughout their system to protect their water supply. Contrary to what a few people believe, the spines exist to protect their water supply and not to hurt humans.

Australian cactus is not native to Australia as the continent does not grow its own cacti. Most of their cacti also come from America and Africa.

Faucaria is a small plant with 8 cm in diameter. It has thick triangular leaves, which on their edges are upright teeth in opposite pairs resembling an animal’s mouth. This Australian cactus may become bushy.

Its color is light green which turn into purple when there is abundant sun light. From August, the Faucaria bloom golden yellow flowers in the center of rosette.

Jensenobotrya lossowiana, another cactus, from the Aizoaceae family is the only species of genus Jensenobotrya. Native to Namibia, the Jensenobotrya lossowiana grows on rocky habitat.

Its vernacular name is druiwetrosvygie which means ‘bunch of grapes mesemb’. It is named after Emil Jensen and the “Greek botrya”, which means a ‘bunch of grapes’ because it resembles bunches of grapes.

Cheiridopsis denticulate is another Aizoaceae family member and from carpetweed. It prefers full sun light exposure while the soil is dry to moist. It has flowers of yellow color and the plant itself can reach 12 inches high.

The are among the Hardiest Desert Plants in the plant. Cacti have longer root systems, which are efficient in searching for water resources. Once these roots have found the water, they store them in their long bulbs for later applications.

In the Australian dessert, the cacti and other succulents provide shade and shelter for lizards. Sometimes, they also use their water resources, but not very often because of the presence of spines and super tough barks.

Australian cactus grows shorter in Australian desert to protect it from hot desert sun. It also grows waxy and protective leaves to help keep the stored water from evaporation.

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Listed under Desert Plants