Pic Today 1/16/12

PRICKLY BUSINESS

A trip to the garden hothouse

always feels good in the winter,

and a chance to view the symmetry and beauty

of the rugged cactus (family cactaceae).

Native to the Americas,

cacti have adapted to conserve water

in dry and hot environments.

The stem and body have evolved to become succulent,

with leaves transforming into spines and needles.

All parts of the cactus (even the needles)

are capable of absorbing moisture,

but have little ability to lose it.

So they're able to retain water

during periods of drought and harsh conditions.

Each cactus is efficiently designed

to survive its environment,

while keeping predators at bay.

(Ouch.)