Most of the desert cactus belongs to the succulent family. Being in the succulent family means that they have the ability to sustain water and that they are able to survive a longer period of times without any intake of water and nutrients. During these times, instead of absorbing the water from the soil, they use the water and nutrients that have been stored inside their leaves and stems. This way, the cactus is able to live in the desert. There are, however, different types of cactus. Here is the type of cactus:
Type 1 Hedgehog Cactus
The hedgehog cactus has upright stems that are thick and forming mound. Typically, the type one cactus are the Echinocereus. Their stems can range from 2 inches to 24 inches in height and these stems only grow from one single base. The name of Echinocereus is originated from the Greek and Latin words. It came from two different words, the first is hedgehog and the second is large candle. These types of cacti can be found in the southwest part of the USA and all the way to Mexico. However, the cactus of the USA is different to the ones in Mexico. The ones in USA are very cold hardy.
Type 2 Barrel Cactus
The Barrel cactus has one single fat stem that is either columnar or globular. They are the most eye catching cactus as they have the unusual shape and also size. Needless to say, they look so different from the other cactus plants.
Type 3 Cluster of Balls
This type 3 cactus usually has small round stems which form a large clump. They are very small and usually not much taller than 6 cm.
Type 4 Columnar Cactus
This cactus may be thin or thick and they have upright tall stems. The stems have branches and all of them grow straight and very tall. Most of the cactus type grow in the Sonoran desert. This cactus is the cactus type which has the most water storage because of the large body.
Type 5 Prickly Pear Cactus
They have cylindrical or round sections that can easily become rooted. This is among the most sought out cactus as they have been identified as a super food.
Type 6 Sub Surface Cacti
The cactus’ body is buried under the soil, but the top remain visible above the soil.
Type 7 Epiphytic
This cactus is flexible and rubbery.
Type 8 Misc
This is the type for cacti that do not belong to the other categories.
