The Basic Information Cacti are usually herbaceous as opposed to Succulents other spiny plants which are usually woody. Succulents are plants that store water either in Most other types of succulents are native to the their roots, trunks, stems or leaves which allows old world, primarily Africa. While you see many them to grow and survive in very arid climates. succulents in Florida, other than cacti, they have BOTANICAL GARDENS been relocated by man. There are many types For instance, many varieties of Euphorbia, of succulents and all have a variety of differ- Kalanchoe, Pachypodium and Aloe are ences from cacti, most often it is the flower or native to Madagascar's Thorny Desert. thorn structure. There droughts may last 10 to 24 months Cactus & Succulent and average rainfall is less than 9 inches Not all non cacti succulents have spines. a season. However, when present they are not developed Collection from a areola (currently a debated subject). Cactus Brochure Cactus such as saguaro found in the Sonoran Euphorbia Desert are exposed to temperatures from 20 to There are over 2,000 species of the succulent, 120 degrees F and droughts lasting 2 years or Euphorbia, in the world ranging from weeds to more. trees. Some help us celebrate the winter holiday season; i.e. the Poinsettia. Some may be spiny Cactus are not only found in arid deserts but also such as the Crown of Thorns; some may have lush rain forest. Cacti are native to the new no spines and small leaves, Pencil Tree. Leaves, world, “The Americas.” Cacti range if present, usually are swirls at the tips of from the northern tip of Canada to the branches. Clearly, a very diverse family. southern tip of South America. All Euphorbia flowers are often small and in clus- Cactus are succulents but not all ters, not always visible, as we often see the succulents are cactus! colored bracts. The bracts are basically colored

Flowers on cactus are large, colorful and singular leaves that surround the flowers. May Euphor- versus growing in a cluster, typical of Euphorbia, bias look like cacti but are not. May have woody another type of succulent. Each cacti flower is trunks but are succulents. Photosynthesis most bisexual having both a pistil and stamen. Flowers often occurs in the stems and leaves during the Did you know?... are a primary way to identify specific cacti types. rainy season. When the drought occurs, leaves All Cactus are are shed to reduce water loss and as the grow- Cactus are the only plants to posses a distinct ing season is over photosynthesis becomes less succulents but not all areola, white tufts where spines emerge. Spine important. Most Euphorbias have a sap latex succulents are cactus! patterns and shapes are another primary way to that is thick, white and, in some cases, hazard- identify various types of plants. Spines on succu- ous. It may cause skin blisters or temporary lents are modified leaves and have considerable blindness. In some cultures, Euphorbia latex is value. Spines are a very strong deterrent when used to poison arrows or to stun fish for netting. The mission of the USF Botanical grazing animals approach. In many areas the tip Gardens is to foster appreciation, of the spines provide a condensation point. understanding and stewardship of our natural and cultural botanical heritage Water droplets formed may fall to the ground or through living collection, displays, towards the stem and provide moisture for the plant. Spines also provide shade to the plant education and research. reducing temperatures and moisture loss. They also provide sections a method to travel by hook- ing onto skin or fur and then being carried else- where. Kalanchoe Kalanchoes are another common succulent. Many are now considered native Florida University of South Florida plants. Many Kalanchoes have very attrac- Botanical Gardens tive leaves. Some are covered with hair which keeps the leaf cooler by reducing the rate of evaporation from the leaf and reflect- 4202 E. Fowler Ave, NES107 ing light. Water storage is in the leaves of Tampa, FL 33620 most kalanchoes. Several have spoon http://www.cas.usf.edu/garden shaped leaves, “Kalanchoes Orygalis” which 813-974-2329 helps collect water and funnel it towards the stem.

Aloe ********************** Aloes are part of the Aloaceae Family and very common succulents. There are old world aloes and many varieties common to The Central Florida Cactus the new world with a few considered native & Succulent Society Florida plants.. The leaves, where water is holds their annual Show and Sale here at the Botanical Gardens stored, typically grow in a star pattern. Some grow close to the ground, and some every Labor Day week end. on stalks. Flowers bloom from Admission is free. stalks that sprout from the cen- ter of a leaf pattern. Most aloes ********************** present a very attractive or- ange/pink bloom. Many aloes The USF Botanical Gardens wishes to thank all our wonderful and dedicated offer medicinal value in treat- volunteers who have established and maintained the Cactus & Succulent collection ment of minor skin irritations, and Display Area. and aloe extract is often added to ointments. **************************

Didiereaceae A family closely related to the Cactaceae Cactus & Succulent Curator: Jagoda Edelman family with xerophytic spiny shrubs and Collections advisor: Bob Gallion small trees, This family is endemic to Madagascar and contains 3 genus: Alluaudia, Decaryia, and Didierea.

Pachypodium Pachypodium are often referred to as the Madagascar Palm. There is a large variation of form in the group. Thickened trunks store water. Some have spines, some do not. Leaves are located near the ends of plants on growing tips.

We hope that you enjoy your tour of this display area.