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A RIOT OF COLORFUL CACTUS
FLOWERS
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Over 2500 species of
cacti grow on earth, many in the
desert. These plants are capable of
storing sufficient quantities of water
for use throughout the year. They
hove unique charocteristics which
allow them lo survive in the desert's
harsh environment. The spines serve
as protection from browsers, ond, in
sorne varieties, olso shade the surface
of the plant from the sun. Cocti hove
skins coated with a waxy surface,
which reduces the omount of water
lost through transpiration. Sorne spe–
cies, such as the "Oid Man" cactus
(extreme right, bottom), and the
"Bishop's Hat" cactus (above) are
collected and grown by hobbyists
worldwide.