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Cactus vs. Succulent: What's the Difference? The cactus family, Cactaceae, is one of the many families having succulent growth. Other plant families having this type of growth are milkweed, lily, and agave families. Therefore it is often said, cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The cactus family (approximately 2,000 species), originated in the Americas (with a few possible exceptions found in the tropical forests of Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka). Cacti are ideal plants to grow for beginners. Spectacular flowers are often produced with little encouragement. Additionally, cactus tolerate a tremendous amount of neglect. Traditionally, indigenous peoples utilized fleshy stems, leaves, and seeds for food. However, the fruit (especially prickly pear) was the most prized. There were other uses for cactus as well. Some cactus were used for medicinal purposes. The juice from other cacti was fermented and imbibed. Still other cacti produced a sap which was poisonous, and could be applied to the tips of arrows and spears. Cactus spines were also useful, and were fashioned into needles, fish hooks, and combs. Cacti from the genus Cereus became woody as they grew old, and their skeletons were used for fuel or building materials. |
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