Cactus and Succulents

Succulents (which include cacti) are cosmopolitan plants that originate from arid environments. These plants have adapted to such conditions by having fleshy leaves or stems, which act as water-storing organs for the plant. A specialized version of photosynthesis (CAM) can be found in many succulents, where water loss is mitigated by the closing of the stomata in the leaves whilst the sun is out.