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Why does cacti have thick stem?

Updated: 10/8/2023
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10y ago

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In cacti the leaves have become reduced ( to prevent water loss via transpiration) and the stem has become the photosynthetic body. Being in the stem there are no or very few stomata ( where water is lost from) and the water is able to be stored in the stem to help it survive long times without water.

I researched this online this is not my work!

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12y ago
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10y ago

The stem is thick to make the plant better able to store water. Cacti live where it is very dry, so they need to conserve water any way they can.

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8y ago

So water can be stored inside the plant.

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Q: Why does cacti have thick stem?
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Related questions

Why is the stem of cactus fleshy?

Cacti have thick, fleshy stems because water is stored in them. The stems are green so that cacti can live by photosynthesis, the process by which organisms containing chlorophyll transform light energy into chemical energy. ... Thick, waxy coating on succulent stems of cacti keeps water from evaporating from inside.


Is cacti has fleshy stem?

no


Why does the catus have such a thick outer covering and such a thick stem?

Cacti have thick stems and skins because they need to store water over long periods of time, and the liquid would evaporate quickly in deasert conditions.


Why do plants in the desert have thick leaves?

Cacti have a thick stem so that when water/nutrients are available they can be absorbed in mass amounts for storage for use for a long period of time


What is a Thick stem?

An example of a thick stem is the edible stem of the Rhubarb plant.


Why does a cactus have thick stem?

Enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis and store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of a true cactus where this takes place. Much like many other plants that have waxy coatings on their leaves, Cacti often have a waxy coating on their stems to prevent water loss. This works by preventing water from spreading on the surface and allowing water to trickle down the stem to be absorbed by the roots and used for photosynthesis. Cacti have a thick, hard-walled, succulent stem - when it rains, water is stored in the stem. The stems are photosynthetic, green, and fleshy. The inside of the stem is either spongy or hollow (depending on the cactus). A thick, waxy coating keeps the water inside the cactus from evaporating.


Why the stem of cactus is deep and fleshy?

Cacti have thick, fleshy stems because water is stored in them. The stems are green so that cacti can live by photosynthesis, the process by which organisms containing chlorophyll transform light energy into chemical energy. ... Thick, waxy coating on succulent stems of cacti keeps water from evaporating from inside.


Why do cacti have a thick cuticle?

For protection against fauna


How could the spines on these barrel cacti help the cacti to survive?

The spines are an effective deterrent to herbivores, but also protect the plant stem. The spines increase the surface area available to collect moisture, an additionally help reflect the sun away from the stem and lower the stem temperature.


Were do cacti get their water?

Cacti get water from rainwater that is stored in the special roots of the cacti


How do cacti adapt to shifting sand?

it has wacksey skin which is very thick, that makes the sand just past by, leaving no damage or feeling to the cacti


What is cactus that stores water in its stem called?

A cactus that stores water in its stem is called a stem succulent. The stem has tissues that are capable storing large quantities of water. The stem also has a thick waterproof epidermis covered by a waxy cuticle that prevents loss of water due by evaporation. Examples of stem succulents - Cardon Cactus, Organ Pipe Cactus, Saguaro Cactus