Buzz
The plant kingdom is a realm of wonder, filled with strange beauty and awe-inspiring diversity. While plants come in countless forms, cacti are among the most extraordinary. With their spiny armor, they thrive in some of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Thanks to their remarkable ability to store water and their tough exterior that helps prevent moisture loss, cacti can be found in the driest deserts and even perched high in mountain peaks. While cacti are already a marvel among plants, some species are downright bizarre, even by cactus standards.
10. Agave Cactus
The Agave cactus, scientifically known as Leuchtenbergia principis, stands out with its distinctive straight, finger-like projections emerging from the main stem. These “fingers” are adorned with small clusters of spines, which in older plants can form a protective, tangled web at the top. The Agave begins life like any other cactus seedling, but as it matures, its protrusions develop into thick, photosynthetic fingers. Unlike many other cacti that produce offspring or grow arms as they age, the Agave retains its single form, growing wider and sturdier while maintaining its unique structure.
9. Ariocarpus Fissuratus ('Living Rocks')
Cacti are often recognized by their spines, but there are a few species that either lack spines or shed them as they mature. A. fissuratus is one of the most slowly growing examples of spineless cacti, sometimes taking up to 50 years to grow to a mere 4-5 inches in diameter. As seedlings, they have tiny, fragile spines that emerge from their geophytic structure. Over time, these spines fall off and are not replaced, resulting in a unique, defenseless plant. This may seem odd for a species, but A. fissuratus adapts by growing in secluded cracks and hard-to-reach places, where it produces small amounts of psychoactive compounds to deter herbivores.
8. Astrophytum caput-medusae
A. caput-medusae is a one-of-a-kind cactus, growing in a way that resembles the snake-like hair of Medusa. This species, which was recently discovered, was initially classified separately until its flowers were found to be identical to those of other cacti in the Astrophytum genus. Additionally, the soft, wool-like tufts from its stem further solidified its classification as an Astrophytum species. Known for its stunning yellow flowers with red centers, A. caput-medusae also produces some of the largest seeds in the cactus world, ranging from 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch in diameter.
7. Peyote
Lophophora williamsii, commonly called peyote, is one of the most well-known and heavily regulated cacti. Illegal to cultivate or possess, peyote is famous for its strong psychedelic effects, thanks to its high mescaline content. It is only legally allowed for use by Native American tribes, where it has long played a central role in spiritual rituals. In these practices, peyote consumption is believed to foster communication with spirits and provide insights into intangible entities.
6. Discocactus horstii
When fully grown, the discocactus produces a cephalium, a densely spiked cluster from which large, white flowers emerge. While it starts off green, as it matures, the discocactus gradually takes on a red hue. Though it resembles a typical desert cactus in its youth, it thrives at elevations around 304 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level. Discocactus can be challenging to cultivate, as they are prone to rot from overwatering and can dry out quickly if deprived of water for shorter periods than most cacti can withstand.
5. Hylocereus undatus
When it comes to flowers, cacti may not immediately come to mind, despite the fact that some cactus flowers are massive and strikingly beautiful. The H. undatus flower can reach lengths of over 35 centimeters (around 14 inches) and widths of 23 centimeters (about 9 inches). This cactus blooms only at night, with each flower opening just once before either seeding and becoming a dragon fruit or withering away. The flowers emit a powerful vanilla scent that can be overwhelming when inhaled directly.
4. Pereskiopsis spathulata
Some cacti are primitive enough that they possess both leaves and spines. One such example is the P. spathulata, which features small spines, glochids, and leaves growing from a single point. Naturally tropical and extremely fast-growing, P. spathulata is commonly used as a grafting base to accelerate the growth of slow-growing cactus species. While it can still flower, P. spathulata is rarely grown for its aesthetic value or blooms. Most plants are simply cuttings taken from a mother plant, resulting in multiple clones that can be further cut and replanted.
3. Blossfeldia liliputana
Often found growing in the rocky terrain of the Andes mountains, B. liliputana gets its name from the land of Lilliput in Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver’s Travels, where its inhabitants were tiny compared to Gulliver. This is fitting, as B. liliputana holds the distinction of being the smallest cactus, with a maximum size of only 1.3 centimeters (about half an inch) across. Its small size and unique growth patterns make it especially remarkable. While most cacti grow from a rounded point, B. liliputana grows from an indentation at the center of the plant. During the summer months, this cactus self-fertilizes, producing seeds so minuscule they blend seamlessly into the surrounding rocks and sand.
2. The Atrichoke Cactus
Known as the artichoke cactus, this species is the sole member of the Obregonia genus. Much like the Ariocarpus and Leuchtenbergia species, the artichoke cactus grows geophytically, with its body points spiraling out from the growth point. Although it does produce spines, they tend to drop off, leaving sparse patches at the tips of the areoles. This spiral growth pattern, coupled with its stem structure, gives the cactus its distinctive artichoke shape. Small flowers bloom from the tips of young growth during the summer, and when fertilized, they yield an edible, fleshy fruit.
1. Turbinicarpus subterraneus
When we picture cacti, we often envision tall, thick-stemmed plants covered in sharp spikes, but as this list demonstrates, this isn't always the case. With T. subterraneus, the true marvel lies beneath the surface of the soil. The small, club-shaped heads are supported by a tuberous root, often the same size as the visible stems. This root allows the T. subterraneus to withstand prolonged periods of drought by storing significant amounts of water. Being underground also gives it enough cold resistance to survive brief exposures to temperatures as low as -4°C (28.4°F).
