lucky bamboo
Chinese Cacti
Chinese Cacti
The cactus (Cactaceae) family is one of the most widespread and damaging groups of invasive alien plants in the world.chinese cactus plants It is also among the least studied, despite that fact that its members are widely introduced and cultivated as ornamentals for garden use. Understanding how and why these species become invasive is a global challenge that can be addressed by assessing the patterns, processes and risks associated with this important group.
The current focus of invasive cactus research has been on the genera Opuntia and Cylindropuntia, which contain most of the well-known cactus cultivars with pendant flowers.chinese cactus plants However, hundreds of other cactus species are being introduced worldwide and may soon become naturalized or invasive. This raises the importance of a broad assessment of invasive cacti, not only to identify potential invasive taxa but also to uncover novel insights about the factors that lead to their success as naturalized and invasive plants.
An important prerequisite for the success of biological invasions is a suitable climate match between native and recipient habitats.chinese cactus plants Although most cactus invasions have been recorded in South Africa, Australia and Spain, our broad-scale climatic matching analysis identified large areas of the world as potentially suitable for many cactus species. This pattern of distribution is consistent with the theory that an extensive cactus invasion debt has accrued over time through a combination of low introduction rates and high success rates for established invasive species.
Cacti are conspicuous components of the arid regions of the New World.chinese cactus plants They are a striking example of desert radiation, spreading across a range of climatic conditions from southern Patagonia in Argentina and Chile to Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. The cactus family includes a remarkable diversity of forms, growth habits and ecological roles.
It is not surprising that a plant with such an impressive evolutionary history should be adaptable to a wide range of environments.chinese cactus plants As such, a wide range of cultivation practices and environmental conditions can support the growth of the cactus. These include cultivated cultivation in containers, in the ground, in the open and in protected sites such as gardens and parks.
Whether grown in the ground or in a container, cacti need free-draining and humus-rich growing media. They are tolerant of a wide range of light levels, but too much sunlight will cause them to stretch and produce long spines. Cactus are more tolerant of dryness than most house plants, but need to be kept moist throughout the year.
When cacti are moved from their natural environment to the home garden, they will need adequate shade. They should also be protected from frost and wind. During the summer, watering should be limited to prevent over-watering. Cactus can be prone to root rot in wet soils and are sensitive to excessive heat and cold.
0users like this.
