Paul Kohnen, age 13, of Tucson, Ariz., for his question:
IS THE CACTUS A SUCCULENT?
More than 1,000 different kinds of plants are found in the cactus family. Most grow in Mexico and the southwestern part of the United States. Most thrive in hot and dry regions and are well suited to live with very little rainfall.
Cactuses, in most cases, don't have leaves and they have built in systems for holding moisture.
The word succulent, when referring to vegetation, describes a fleshy plant that has thick stems or branches in which water is stored. Succulent plants grow in dry places and especially like the deserts. Almost all of the many types of cactuses can be described as succulents.
Many of the cactuses come equipped with sharp bristles and spines that help to protect them from animals. Since there isn't too much water available, the cactus has its own system of stretching out the supply to last all summer long and the spines are part of the plan.
Roots on most cactus plants are covered with a cork like bark that lies close to the surface. The root system stretches far out so it can catch lots of water even from light rains or quick floods that occasionally happen in the deserts. A 3 foot cactus may often have a root system that stretches out more than 10 feet.
The saguaro or giant cactus wins honors as being the largest cactus in the United States. You'll occasionally find forests of them growing in California and Arizona. They can grow to be 50 feet tall. Indians in Arizona use the dried woody ribs for fuel and also for building their homes. The fruit, which ripens in June and July, is eaten fresh or as preserves.
A favorite succulent is the cereus group of cactuses. Included here are the night blooming cereus whose spectacular flowers open only when the sun goes down.
The barrel cactus has extremely tough spines to protect a large water supply. The plant has saved the life of many thirsty travelers in the desert, and the spines at one time were used by the Indians as fishhooks.
Plant scientist Luther Burbank developed a spineless cactus that has proved to be most useful as a source of food for both men and animals.
All types of succulent cactuses have found their way into homes and are thriving nicely as house plants. The fact that they can live in dry, artificial heat is a point in their favor.
When potting a succulent for your home, be sure that you select light, sandy soil that has very good drainage. This is important for all members of the cactus family.