Mexican cacti are a national treasure of the country. And even on the coat of arms of Mexico there is an image of a prickly pear cactus. They originated in Central America, but then moved to the Gulf of Mexico, where a hot and humid climate contributes to the growth of these plants. It is believed that Mexico has become a country in which about a thousand new species of cacti have appeared. To admire the wonderful world of these wonderful plants, many tourists come to the country.
Cactus use
Mexican cacti in their homeland have a variety of uses. In dry periods, only they can withstand the scorching sun and provide people with moisture and food. Various foods are prepared from the green pulp of plants, the fruits are used instead of fruits. From the fibers of trees produce ropes and threads, which are sewn using cactus needles. Cactus wood is used for the manufacture of frames, wheels, pillars. In the sultry desert, they are the source of life.
Prickly pear
Prickly pear in its kind has about 200 Cactus plants. Preferably they grow in deserts, savannas and semi-deserts.
Mexico is the birthplace of most prickly pears, which is why they are simply called Mexican cacti. These are large trees up to six meters tall, which bloom beautifully from April to September. Plants are often used to protect soil on mountain slopes from erosion. Fruits are much appreciated as fruits. The local population uses prickly pear stalks for livestock feed. Aromatic tea is brewed from the flowers. Plant extracts are added to cosmetics and medicines.
Growing prickly pears
Prickly pear is a very unpretentious plant. One of its drawbacks is that due to its rapid growth, it soon turns into a long spiky cactus, while its attractiveness and decorativeness are lost. At home, it is quite simple to grow it, for this you need:
- Provide moderate temperature in the winter no more than 10 degrees.
- Create enough lighting, otherwise the plant will stretch and will look ugly.
- In winter, watering is minimized.
- In spring, feed fertilizers for cacti.
- Able to survive in dry air, but sometimes loves spraying with warm water.
- For planting, use the prepared soil for cacti.
It is not necessary to grow prickly pear in a children's room. Small and thin bristles can stick into the skin and cling to clothes.
Carnegia
Giant Carnegia Cactus (Saguaro) grows in the arid deserts of northwestern Mexico. This is a huge plant, whose height exceeds 15 meters, and weighs more than 8 tons. Saguaro's life expectancy is more than 150 years. The plant continues to struggle for its existence throughout life. Fallen tree seeds only germinate after heavy rainfall. The appearance of a carnegia sprout near a shrub or tree gives the plant a chance of survival. The close proximity allows Saguaro to hide from the weather and wind, as well as absorb water and nutrients from under it.
As a result, the tree-like cactus gains strength, strong roots grow, and the plant turns into a huge tree, and the protector and its source of nutrition die. Carnegia is growing slowly and reaches one meter by only twenty years of existence. The mature age of the cactus occurs only in 50–70 years. At this time, it begins to bloom and branch. During the rainy season, it is saturated with water and bursts, and new shoots appear from the cracks. The plant is well adapted to the hot climate. Its top is covered with white spines, lowering the temperature of the tree by five degrees. In Mexico there is a national park, visiting which people enjoy the beauty of giant cacti.
Giant Carnegia Cactus Growing at Home
In our country, Saguaro is a houseplant that has a rough trunk with branches extending from it that resemble tree branches. The plant is used to decorate the interior, if the apartment has free space and adequate lighting.
A lot of sunlight goes to the plant only for the benefit. For growing it is necessary:
- Large room area and high ceilings.
- In winter, artificial lighting is required.
- It is enough to water in the summer once a week, and in the winter - once a month, it is not necessary to spray.
- The temperature in the room should be at least 22 degrees.
- Land and fertilizers for cacti are purchased in a flower shop. The pot is chosen volumetric and deep, the bottom is filled with drainage.
- Propagate the plant using cuttings and seeds.
Pachycereus, or Cardon
Cactus Pachycereus Pringla grows in the south of the Sonora Desert. He is akin to Saguaro, can live up to 150 years of age and grow up to 13 meters in height. Pachycereus branches begin to grow near the base and rise up, forming a powerful tree that resembles a column. The trunk and branches have a ribbed structure. At a young age, the surface of the cardboard is covered with needles, and over time they disappear.
In the spring, the ends of the old branches are strewn with buds that open, and a flower appears with large white wax petals. Each flower lasts only 24 hours, and the flowering time lasts from 4 to 5 weeks. The fruits of the Mexican Pachycereus cactus are reddish in color with long spikes. The local population eats and makes brushes from them. The plant is protected by the state, after large tracts of it were cut down for growing cultivated plants.
Cardon at home
For growing at home from all Pachycereus species of Pringle is most suitable. It is very unpretentious, since in nature it often grows on bare rocks. The plant feels great in sunlight in a warm room about 20 degrees and with periodic watering. When exposed to direct sunlight, about four hours daily, the plant can bloom. In winter, it is kept at a temperature not exceeding 14 degrees, occasionally moistening the earth. The air in the room must be dry. Cardon is used for original interior decoration. In room culture, a cactus blooms only with very good care.
Agave plant
An exceptional Mexican plant is Agave Blue. It grows together with cacti and in appearance is very similar to them. But agave and cactus are not the same thing. Blue agave is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. It has fleshy leaves that grow to a length of two meters. During flowering, a five-meter peduncle grows in the middle of the foliage, on which bright yellow flowers appear. But after flowering, the plant dies. To extend the life of agave, people cut off the flower stalk, and then the plant lives up to 15 years. In Mexico, there are about 136 different types of agave, but only blue is used to make famous tequila.
Harvest for the production of the drink is harvested only after 11 years of age of the plant. Leaves and roots are removed from agave, only the core is used, the mass of which can be up to 90 kilograms. The process of making tequila is laborious and requires special skills.
Conclusion
A wide variety of Mexican cacti and agaves for locals is a great help in life. The fruits of plants are used to prepare various dishes and unique drinks. From shafts and leaves, shampoos, threads, natural dyes and even materials for construction are produced. Blue agave is used to make popular tequila. Some of its varieties go to the manufacture of paper. Many Mexican peasants eat cactus fruits for several months a year.