Origin

Succulents is the collective name for plants which are able to collect moisture during rainy periods and conserve it for dry periods. Succulents are characterised by the presence of water-storing tissues in the stems, leaves and/or roots. In addition, the plants often display xerophytic properties such as reduction of their surface area, reduction and absence of leaves, a thick wax layer, hairs or thorns and stomas below the surface.

The Succulents can be divided into the following categories:

Leaf succulents
These have thick leaves which are usually arranged in a rosette (Aloe, Crassula, Echeveria, etc.).

Stem succulents
These succulents usually have green, grooved or thorny stems as their main water-storing organ. (Stapelia, Cactus)

Caudiciform plants
These plants store water through in stem or roots. The water storage tissue is at soil level. (Pachypodium, Adansonia, Adenium, Cyphostemma, etc.)

Root succulents
These are difficult to distinguish from the previous category of plants (potato)

Succulents can be found in 6 families of the monocotyls and 45 families of the dicotyls. There are about 10,000 species in total. Succulents are not found in the Conifer family. In 5 families, practically all species are more or less succulent: Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, Crassulaceae, Didiereaceae and Portulacaceae.


Succulents have developed special structures to store water in their body, generally as an effort to survive during dry periods. Evolution and geographic distribution have resulted in a variety of succulents which are each adapted to their specific environment. This has led to a vast collection of unique types.

 

 

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