Why Do Barrel Cacti Lean South?

Description

• Barrel cactuses may have either straight or hooked spines. Most flowers form at the top of the plant, and may vary in color from yellow to red. Scientists believe that cactuses lean south to cast a shadow, which helps prevent sunburn on the plant's surface.

Size

• Cactuses are quite slow growing, and may grow as little as 1/4 inch in a year. Barrel cactuses commonly grow between 2 to 4 feet tall, and about 1 foot wide. The University of Texas at El Paso notes that barrel cactuses seldom grow much larger.

Misconceptions

• Although many people think that barrel cactuses store good water for hot and weary desert travelers, the water stored in the cactuses contains too much alkaline, and may actually worsen the effects of dehydration. Instead, look for water from cactuses with flattened leaf-like pads.