Dynamite comes in small packages, so the saying goes about people of small stature; many whose tongues are just as sharp as the tiny Cactus below with razor-sharp thorns!
CACTI
Those thorns, prickles and spines that are found on the Cactus plants have a number of important functions:
- Defense mechanism, as they deter predators from eating the plant.
- Collects fluids like water and dew.
- Provides shade and insulation, protecting the plants from extreme temperatures.
Parodia rutilans
This little Cactus is a perfect little water tank and its brown spines look real threatening. It does flower and apparently produces a stunning yellow or purplish flower; mine has not flowered yet, so I'm curious to know which colour flower it will produce.
Prickles and prickly people
This is one plant I certainly won't be touching with bare hands; just like some would put on boxing gloves to tackle those prickly people, but I prefer to charm them into submission, works a hundred fold better than boxing gloves!
Aloe Arborescens
Also known as the Candelabra Plant or the Krantz Aloe, this medicinal plant aids in the healing of wounds in animals, and also used by humans for burn wounds. It grows to a height of over 5 feet and has beautiful bright red flowers.
Aloe Ferox
The gel extracted from this plant, commonly known as the Cape Aloe, is dried into crystal form and used as a natural detox and also as an alkaline; beneficial for those afflicted with Gout and GERD.
The oil found in the seeds contains the fatty acids linoleic, stearic and oleic which is widely used in cosmetic manufacturing.
Triangle Cactus
I call these my spiky guardian pillars as I have two at the entrance of our front patio, so tread carefully when you enter ;)
Their spines are razor sharp and super thin so although it's not poisonous, it can penetrate deeply and as it can have bacteria, it can also cause an infection.
Aloe Vera
This valued Cactus has many health benefits:
Excellent for heartburn, digestion, constipation,liver health and also used topically for skin ailments, sunburn and in cosmetics.
Aloe Dorotheae
The stiff, jagged, orange-red leaves of the Sunset Aloe form around a lime green centre, offering mounds of colour all year. Spikes of green-tipped, yellow flowers appear in winter.
My plant appears to have a disease, so the leaves are not as colourful as they should be.
SUCCULENTS
Haworthia margaritifera
Also known as the Pearl Plant, this slow-growing, attractive succulent resembles an Aloe, and is perfect for growing in a container. It grows in rosettes and is covered with white tubercles or pearls.
String of Pearls
This succulent looks like pearls, hence the name, and bears tiny flowers that have a heady, intoxicating spicy scent reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon; really lovely especially in the early evening.
We run a BnB and one young guest enquired whether this was a Pea Plant, thinking this was how Peas grow:)
TROPICA - Hottentots Fig
This succulent, creeping plant has medical value and also is an ornamental plant with bright coloured flowers. The fruits are edible and resemble smaller figs.
Senecio kleiniiformis
Commonly known as a Spear Head, this is a valuable ground cover that produces very pretty clusters of tiny orange flowers, and is super easy to propagate.
Begonia
Begonias have succulent stems which stores water that the plant uses during the dry periods of the year. They almost die off in winter, becoming dormant but as soon as spring arrives, they come to life and produce the most stunning flowers.
Sedum morganianum
Also known as Burro's Tail Cactus, this is not technically a cactus but a succulent.
This succulent is a graceful decorative plant to grow in a hanging pot.
Pachypodium lamerei
I was totally off the mark thinking this is a Euphorbia of sorts, but thanks to @nikv of the Succulent Growers Community I now know that it actually is called a Pachypodium lamerei, also known as a Madagascan Palm as they are found on the island of Madagascar on the East Coast of Africa.
It has a thick stem for storing water, has razor sharp spines and requires very little care but makes an interesting show in a container. They produce large fragrant flowers, so I'm looking forward to seeing that!
A pretty hanging basket filled with various succulents; the Desert Roses trying their best to outdo and overpower all the other plants; just like some people I know ;)
The reason I chose Cacti and Succulents as My Amazing Nature entry, is that these plants really fascinate me:
- The fact that they have their own defense mechanism and water storage system and that many of the species are able to survive in arid regions. Aren't most of us like that as well, when times are tough?
- As in my opening paragraph, the similarity of those thorns and spines that protect them reminds me of us humans who develop our own defense mechanism against the knocks of life! I've met a number of people who have the same kind of thorns on the outside, but a heart full of gold inside.
- Further, the medicinal and cosmetic value is absolutely amazing; nature still provides the very best medicine!
While doing research for my blog, I found it really interesting to learn that although all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti!
This is my entry into the awesome Amazing Nature Community DNA project: Amazing Nature Contest - September 2020 - #04.
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