24 Succulents-Mid

Succulents FOCUS Question What helps succulents survive in dry habitats?

The Juicy Plants Check out the plants on this page. They are called succulents (SUH-kyoo-lints). They come in many interesting shapes and sizes. Unlike many other plants, most succulents grow in places with little rainfall. How do succulents survive in such dry habitats? They have special adaptations—features that help them survive. These adaptations help them collect water during rainstorms and store it for dry times. Some succulents have thick stems. Others store water in their leaves. Thick, waxy layers help to hold water inside the plant.

Succulent Habitats Succulents can grow in low dry deserts and on high, freezing mountaintops. They even grow on sandy beaches. Their adaptations help them live in many different areas. Let's take a trip around the world and identify some succulents.

Succulents of the Desert Succulents are common plants in deserts. Deserts often go for long periods without any rain. The succulents that live there have special adaptations that help them to collect and save water. Yuccas (YUK-uhs) live in the desert. These plants have tough, spear-shaped leaves. The leaves are shaped so that rain flows down to the roots. The leaves are also covered with a thick, waxy skin, which keeps them from losing water. They have a deep, thick root to help store water. Cacti are a type of succulent. Many kinds of cacti, such as prickly pears and barrel cacti, live in the desert. Barrel cacti have large trunks to store water.

Jumping cholla (CHOY-yuh) cacti are sometimes called teddy bear cacti. From far away, they look fuzzy and cuddly. Do not hug them, though! These plants are covered with thousands of sharp spines. The spines make shade for the plants, helping them survive in the desert heat. Cacti need less water when they are cooler. The stem of a jumping cholla is separated into sections, or segments, that store water. These segments break away easily. In fact, even the wind can break them off. Each broken segment can become a new plant. Word Wise The jumping cholla gets its name because people once thought the segments "jumped" off of the plant. Actually, the segments just break off easily.

Succulents of the Mountains If you hike to the top of a mountain, you might see succulents growing. Some mountaintops get little water. They can also be very cold. Succulents such as the monk's hood cactus and sand dollar cactus are found in mountains. Monk's hood cacti are small and do not need much water. Sand dollar cacti are very small. When there is very little water available, these cacti turn brown and flatten to the ground until more water is available.