Cactaceae belongs to the order Caryophyllales. It is also known as Cacti or Cactus family.
The Cactaceae is a distinctive group of flowering plants native almost entirely to the Americas, particularly thriving in arid and semi-arid environments from Patagonia to Canada. These plants are renowned for their remarkable adaptations to drought, including fleshy, water-storing stems, reduced or absent leaves (often replaced by spines), and specialized photosynthesis that minimizes water loss. Their diverse forms range from towering columnar giants to compact, globular species, and many display vibrant, short-lived flowers pollinated by birds, bats, or insects.
Ecologically, cacti play a vital role in desert and dryland ecosystems, offering food and shelter to a wide range of wildlife. Economically, several species are cultivated for food, ornamental use, or as fodder. A key example is the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.), widely grown for its edible pads and fruit, used in culinary dishes, beverages, and traditional medicine across the Americas.
Total genera found for Cactaceae: 4
- 1) Hylocereus
- 2) Opuntia
- 3) Pereskia
- 4) Selenicereus
Total plants found for Cactaceae: 5