For residents of African and Asian deserts, large cacti are not out of the ordinary. It is difficult for residents of temperate latitudes who have never seen sand dunes to imagine this plant under the windows of their own home. Europeans are accustomed to admiring cacti in greenhouses or in pots on tables, on window sills or loggias. Despite the apparent similarity, the diversity of these plants is simply amazing. However, many of them bloom very beautifully.
Those who plant echinopsis and Mamillaria on their own window sills are not very interested in the cactus homeland. Fans of prickly domestic "pets" simply grow them, enjoying the beauty and endurance of the mentioned specimens and wondering at their unpretentiousness. Indeed, even if you forget the pot with the plant under the scorching sun, do not water it for several weeks or even months, it will not die. Moreover, after hard trials, the cactus can begin to grow actively and even bloom.
What does the cactus homeland look like?
If we assume that it is in Africa, then the picture is quite sad. In the desert, you can see both very large and relatively small specimens, which are struggling to deal with the extreme conditions of existence. In the process of evolution, this species adapted well to heat and a constant lack of moisture. The leaves turned into needles to minimize exposure to sunlight, the stem became powerful and fleshy in order to maintain the maximum amount of water and other vital elements. All cacti are distinguished by a rather powerful root system, able to make their way to a possible source of water through thick layers of soil. At the same time, most of their lives pass in conditions of complete drought and heat. Sudden changes in temperature are sometimes added, but even this cannot break down plants that are loving. But when it rains in the desert (which is very rare), the homeland of cacti turns into a blooming paradise.
At this moment, literally everything comes to life: plants, insects, reptiles and other animals. For many representatives of the flora, this is the only chance of reproduction, and they do not miss it.
On the American continent, the climate is less severe, but deserts are also found. This cactus homeland is more favorable to its inhabitants, and therefore there are truly unique specimens here. It is, firstly, about extremely large plants that are not found, say, in Africa itself. Secondly, America is rich in agave, grown on an industrial scale and used for the production of ropes, ropes, as well as tequila and other alcoholic beverages. The economy of some states (for example, Mexico) is directly dependent on this cactus. Thirdly, here you can find plants that, by their appearance, do not belong to this species, but still belong to the agave family (yucca).
All of these varieties are often used for decorative purposes. They feel great in the south of Europe (and even in its central part). True, in case of frost, they should be covered with a film or placed in a greenhouse for the winter. In areas of many summer residents, you can now see both yucca and other types of agave. However, most of them have no idea how far the homeland of a cactus is growing on a windowsill or in a garden.