Cacti are herbaceous plants belonging to the Cactaceae family. Their flowers are bowl-shaped, vibrant yellow, with receptacles shaped like inverted eggs; their berries are oblong.
The stems are thick and succulent, green or grayish-green, conducting photosynthesis instead of leaves, which are either reduced or transient.
The flowering period of cacti is concentrated between March and May, while fruiting occurs from June to October. Their name comes from their resemblance to spines reminiscent of a closed hand.
Cacti are indigenous to the eastern coast of Mexico, southern and southeastern coastal areas of the United States, the West Indies, Bermuda, and northern regions of South America. They also thrive in the Canary Islands, India, and eastern Australia. They prefer warm, dry, well-ventilated environments with ample sunlight, tolerate drought, dislike cold temperatures, and thrive in fertile, well-draining sandy loam.
Cacti reproduce through both seed propagation and cutting methods. Despite the diverse forms among the numerous species within the Cactaceae family, their flower structures remain uniform, establishing them as an independent botanical family.
The classification of cacti varies due to their diverse morphologies, extensive collection over centuries, human cultivation, and the development of numerous new varieties through hybridization, leading to continuous changes in their taxonomic classification.
Cactaceae are often categorized into four subfamilies based on their morphological features: the Cactoideae, Opuntioideae, Pereskioideae, and Maihuenioideae.
In Mexico, cacti are highly favored and revered by the populace. They hold a prestigious position akin to a national flower. Like Sichuanese cuisine, which holds sway with hot pots in Sichuan, Mexico boasts various cuisines. Among them, the cactus, much adored, stands out.
Mexicans have various culinary techniques for preparing cacti: stir-frying, grilling, and even making salads. The versatility in preparation yields diverse flavors. While cacti might not be a delicacy for many in other countries, it's transformed into an array of tempting dishes in Mexico. Locals express a sense of dilemma; with abundant cacti, waste seems inevitable.
Once considered a treasure trove, the cactus sap is known for its stomach-protective properties and rich nutritional value. It's concentrated and exported as a medicinal product.
Cacti are delicate, seemingly fragile like water, yet their surface is armored, adorned with steel-like spines. No one can see the heart of the cactus, for any creature that draws near bleeds profusely. Long ago, a brave soul sought to eradicate this menace. With a swift strike, the cactus split, revealing green liquid.
That was the sealed heart of the cactus, transformed into tear-shaped droplets due to an unfathomable loneliness. Hence, the language of cacti speaks of resilience.
