You have to be careful when touching it… Can you guess what is it?
Cactusi are plants with an unusual appearance and they exist since the Aztec civilizations. They are not as common as tulips or camellias, but convey different semiotic meanings to their admirers. Cactus are also plants which can adapt to extremely hot and arid environments. Its spines, which are actually modified leaves, and the physiological capacity to store and conserve water in its stem are two characteristics that highlight this species.
However, it is a mistake talk about cactus in general and does not represent the totality of existing species, which are over 2,000! Of diverse sizes and formats, the plant is fundamental for the balance of different ecosystems.
In Porto it is possible to find cactus spread mainly through the big gardens of the city, but they are seen in some lands and private houses, too. This last place has become increasingly common, since there are some people who admire the beauty of the species. Despite the leaves that do not cover the sun, its shape and size bring beauty to the surrounding environment, as well as flowers of various colors and clothing that are breathtaking. That's right, flowers!
Many do not know that the cactu, belonging to the family Cactaceae, are angiosperms! Some even confuse the thorny leaves with the pines leaves, assigning it the classification of gymnosperms. The truth is that the thousands of species of cactus produce several species of flowers, very important to feed a lot of nocturnal animals.
However, it is a mistake talk about cactus in general and does not represent the totality of existing species, which are over 2,000! Of diverse sizes and formats, the plant is fundamental for the balance of different ecosystems.
In Porto it is possible to find cactus spread mainly through the big gardens of the city, but they are seen in some lands and private houses, too. This last place has become increasingly common, since there are some people who admire the beauty of the species. Despite the leaves that do not cover the sun, its shape and size bring beauty to the surrounding environment, as well as flowers of various colors and clothing that are breathtaking. That's right, flowers!
Many do not know that the cactu, belonging to the family Cactaceae, are angiosperms! Some even confuse the thorny leaves with the pines leaves, assigning it the classification of gymnosperms. The truth is that the thousands of species of cactus produce several species of flowers, very important to feed a lot of nocturnal animals.
They need extra care, especially since they are now on the list of endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to the de-characterization of the origin space of these plants, besides the illegal trade, since they are admired and sold in several places. In addition, the unlimited agricultural and urban development that scientists call "habitat transformation."
In Porto, it is possible to be enchanted with a collection of about 200 species of Cacti present in the Garden of the Cacti at Botanical Garden. This collection is admirable and it has been growing since the 50's, when the garden settles in the city. Outside the huge outdoor garden, there is also a greenhouse for the care of these plants.
In Porto, it is possible to be enchanted with a collection of about 200 species of Cacti present in the Garden of the Cacti at Botanical Garden. This collection is admirable and it has been growing since the 50's, when the garden settles in the city. Outside the huge outdoor garden, there is also a greenhouse for the care of these plants.
Enjoy the good weather and continue to explore the Port in search of fauna and flora!
Written by: Matheus Rabelo
Translated by: Júlia Aguiar
Photos by: Júlia Aguiar
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