country of origin

Cactus plants are native to tropical and subtropical continents of South America and North America and some nearby islands, some of which grow in forests. Most species of succulents are native to South Africa, and only a few are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of other continents, so South Africa is known as the "treasure house of succulents". According to the origin and ecological environment, the above plants can be divided into three categories: tropical, subtropical arid areas or desert areas. Under the condition of extremely dry soil and air, it survives with the help of water stored in stems and leaves. Originated in tropical and subtropical alpine arid areas. These areas are short of water, with strong sunshine, strong wind and low temperature. Succulent plants are short, and their leaves are mostly rosette-shaped, or densely covered with wax and fluff, so as to reduce the harm of strong wind and strong light in mountainous areas and reduce excessive transpiration. Native to the tropical rain forest. These species do not grow in soil, but attach themselves to the rocks of tree trunks and shadow valleys. Its ecological habits are close to epiphytic orchids.

Medicinal value

Cactus (fig. 1)

Medicinal method: the whole plant is used as medicine. It can be harvested all year round. Fresh or sliced and dried. Indications: clearing away heat and toxic materials, removing blood stasis and detumescence, invigorating stomach and relieving pain, and relieving cough. Used for gastric and duodenal ulcer, acute dysentery and cough; Externally used for treating parotitis, mastitis, carbuncle and furuncle, snake bite, burn and scald. Price: 3~ 10000 yuan per plant. Tropism of nature: slightly bitter, cool in nature. Usage and dosage: fresh1~ 2; Take a proper amount of fresh products for external use and apply them to the affected area. Caution: Stings contain poisonous juice, which may easily cause allergic symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain and itching. Alias: wind tail, dragon tongue, flat grass, fairy palm, Guanyin thorn. Nature and taste: cold, bitter and astringent. Meridian tropism: entering the heart, lungs and stomach.

Traceability of medical classics

"Seeking the Grassland": "Eliminate pimples at the beginning and wash hemorrhoids." Cactus (Figure 2)

Guizhou folk prescription drug collection: "nourishing stomach and spleen, relieving cough and calming the nerves." Treat heart and stomach gas pain and snake edema. " "Luchuan Materia Medica": "Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, expelling pus and promoting granulation. The indications are sores, boils and coughs. " Traditional Chinese medicine believes that cactus has the functions of promoting qi and blood circulation, clearing away heat and toxic materials, and is mainly used to treat heartburn, lump, dysentery, hemorrhoids, cough, sore throat, lung abscess, breast abscess, furuncle, fire injury in soup, snake injury and so on. Edible cactus is one of the vegetables with the highest content of vitamin B2 and soluble fiber. Edible cactus contains 8 kinds of amino acids and various trace elements necessary for human body, as well as precious components such as Gynura bicolor, Celastrus orbiculatus, hibiscus flower, etc. It not only has many effects on human body, such as clearing away heat and toxic materials, invigorating stomach and spleen, clearing throat and moistening lung, and beauty beauty, but also has obvious therapeutic effects on liver cancer, diabetes, bronchitis and other diseases. Cactus is high in potassium, low in sodium and low in sugar, and its sugar content is lower than lettuce and cucumber. The plural of cactus is cacti or cactus. Ceres is just a kind of cactus, not a general term for cactus. There are many kinds of cacti, such as Poria cocos, the largest cactus in the world, and Blossfeldia liliputiana, the smallest cactus in the world. Cactus (Figure 3)

A family of dicotyledonous flowering plants (characterized by having two cotyledons). It belongs to Dianthus. Some authoritative organizations list cactus as an order with only one family-Cactuidae. Botanists estimate that there are 130 genera of cactus, about 1650 species. Cactus is native to North and South America, from British Columbia and Alberta to most parts of the south; Its southern border extends to Chile and Argentina. Mexico has the largest variety of cacti. Only Rhipsalis may be native to the Old World and distributed in East Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka. However, many scholars believe that this genus was introduced to these areas from other parts of the world. Cactus is a succulent perennial. Although a few species live in tropical or subtropical areas, most of them live in arid areas. The stem of cactus is usually thick and contains chlorophyll, grass or wood. Most kinds of leaves either disappear or are extremely degraded, thus reducing the surface area of water loss, while photosynthesis is replaced by stems. Only tropical Schizophyllum and Schizophyllum have obvious functional leaves. Roots are usually slender, fibrous, shallow and widely distributed, and are used to absorb surface water. Cactus plants vary in size and shape, from button-shaped Peott palm, short and thick thorn pear and hedgehog palm to tall cylindrical barrel palm, cactus genus and tall tree-shaped giant mountain shadow palm. Most cacti grow in soil, but some tropical species, including Corydalis, Epiphyllum and Schlumberger, are epiphytes. Others grow on hard surfaces, such as rocks. The stems of epiphytes are usually thin and flat. The surface morphology of plants is also different, either smooth or with prominent nodules, ridges or grooves. The cactus is different from other succulent plants in that its stem has a cushion-shaped structure-community. In almost all kinds of communities, thorns or barbs will grow, from which flowers, branches and leaves (if any) will be born. The internal structure of cactus stem is consistent with other dicotyledonous plants, and there is a cambium between the xylem inside and the phloem outside. However, stems are mostly composed of thin-walled storage cells, which contain mucilage, which can protect plants from losing water. The stem of cactus is the main organ for producing and storing nutrients. A few cactus species can produce small plants near the ground level, so as to reproduce asexually. The tissues of various cacti are quite consistent, so the terminal part of one cactus can be grafted to the top of another cactus. The center of cactus is empty, which can effectively store water, but cactus mainly reproduces through seeds. The flowers of cactus are usually big and beautiful, and most of them are solitary. All genera have flower tubes (composed of perianth segments, calyx and petals are obviously different or indistinguishable), and the ovary is inferior and one room. There is a style on the ovary, and there are many stigmas at the top of the style to receive pollen. After pollination and fertilization, the ovule develops into seeds (multiple seeds) and the ovary develops into fruit (usually berries). Pollen is carried by wind or birds. Shortly after pollination, the flower tube falls off from the top of the ovary, leaving obvious scars. Cactus (Figure 5)

Cactus is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. In addition, Rosa roxburghii (immortal fruit) and Cioglia palm (both cactus) are also edible plants. In South America, cactus, wax cactus and other species are used as living fences, and in some desert areas, wooden columnar cactus is used as fuel. Barrel palm (cactus and cactus) is the water source in an emergency. Lophophora williamsii is a palm with hallucinatory effect, which has been used in some ceremonies since Columbus arrived in America. Cactus is a big family with at least two thousand members. Its hometown is in America and Africa, especially Mexico, and it is called "cactus kingdom", and cactus is praised as "Xiantao" by Mexicans. China Yunnan minority areas also have the habit of taking cactus fruit as fruit. There is a beautiful legend in the local area: a huge Shan Ying flies around looking for a place to live with a snake in its mouth. When it landed on a cactus full of yellow flowers, it never wanted to leave. Since then, Mexicans have established their home in this vibrant place-Mexico City. The design of the Mexican national emblem is based on this legend.

history

Cactus (Figure 6)

Cactus flowers are native to South America and North America, and can be found in Ontario, Canada at 50 degrees north latitude and Santa Cruz, Argentina at 50 degrees south latitude. According to relevant records, after Columbus discovered the New World in 1496, cactus was first brought to Europe by sailors from Caribbean islands in South America in 1540, and was introduced to Japan in 1669. 1840, the botanical dictionary published in Britain recorded 400 species of cactus cultivation. At that time, cactus flowers had developed from wild introduction to artificial cultivation, and the original wild cactus had been improved into special ornamental flowers through horticultural cultivation.

characteristic

Cactus (Figure 7)

Cactus mostly grow in arid environment. Some are cylindrical, 10 meters high and weigh about 20000 kilograms. They stand tall and spectacular. Some prickly cacti, some of which live for more than 500 years, can grow into giant balls with a diameter of two or three meters. People cut the upper part of it and dig soft and juicy stem meat to quench their thirst. Cactus also has a special ability. In the dry season, it can go into a dormant state without eating or drinking, minimizing the consumption of nutrients and water in the body. When the rainy season comes, they wake up very sensitively, and their roots immediately become active, absorbing a lot of water, making plants grow rapidly and blossom and bear fruit quickly. The roots of some cactus plants will turn into carrots, which can store 70 or 80 kilograms of water. Someone once put a cactus in a dry paper bag for more than two years. Although some of them withered, one cactus was put into a flowerpot. After watering, it quickly grew new roots and resumed its growth. Cactus is appreciated by human beings for its wonderful structure, amazing drought tolerance and tenacious vitality. Cactus also has grotesque stems and bright flowers. Although the grotesque cactus with sharp spikes is daunting, the flowers they produce are particularly delicate and colorful, like tassels. The whip-like "Moonlight Queen" has large white flowers with a diameter of 50 to 60 cm. Epiphyllum, known as "a flash in the pan", is an epiphytic cactus plant native to tropical forests in Central and South America. Cactus wins with flowers only for one reason, and thorns and fluff of different shapes and colors are also loved by many viewers. In particular, some bright red and golden thorns and white fluff varieties are even more varied. No wonder some people call it a "living handicraft". Physiological characteristics of cactus photosynthesis: Sedum plants "Sedum acid metabolism" (CAM-) belong to C4 plants. The representative plants are cactus, pineapple and longevity flower. Cactus (Figure 8)

In order to survive in arid tropical areas, CAM- plants has developed a set of survival strategies, and CO2 fixation will be separated in time in calvin cycle. In this way, excessive water loss can be avoided, because the stomata are only open at night to absorb CO2. Pure C4 plants fix carbon dioxide through spatial separation (mesophyll cells and vascular bundle sheath cells). However, plants that metabolize Sedum acid follow the following circadian rhythm: At night, CO2 is absorbed and fixed on phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). The generated oxaloacetic acid (OA) will be reduced to malic acid and stored in vacuoles of cells. This process is accompanied by acidification, and the reducing substances produced by the decrease of pH value in daytime photoreaction will also play a role here. During the day: acid substances in vacuoles (mainly malic acid and also aspartic acid) will be decarboxylated. The released CO2 enters calvin cycle. CAM plants must prepare enough phosphoenolpyruvate for fixing CO2 at night. Because of this, plants store starch during the day and convert it into phosphoenolpyruvate at night. This is probably the case with CAM access. In fact, it divides photosynthesis into two main steps. One is carried out during the day, which is the so-called photoreaction stage. At this stage, energy is obtained by absorbing light, water is electrolyzed, oxygen is released, and reducing force is generated. Then the second half step of photosynthesis-CO2 fixation is carried out at night.

use

People often think that cactus is just an ornamental plant and has no use. In fact, the fruits of many cactus plants not only

It can be eaten raw, brewed or dried. Cactus has always been a traditional food in the United States, and it is an indispensable characteristic vegetable and fruit in people's daily life. People wash and chop the cactus and cook it in soup, or bake it on the stove, or make it into cake stuffing, or pickle the fresh cactus directly, and some make wine with cactus. In the Mexican market, the tender stems of some flaky cactus can be sold as vegetables. The trunks of some columnar cacti have been used as building materials by Indians. The flaky stems of cactus can not only be used as feed for livestock, but also its viscous juice can be used as a purifying agent to purify water. In some places, some prickly cacti are planted next to the house as barbed fences. Every100g edible cactus contains about 220 micrograms of vitamin A, 0/00mg of vitamin C/kloc, 0/6mg of protein/kloc and 2.7mg of iron, which can generate 25-30kcal calories. In recent years, many countries began to treat arteriosclerosis, diabetes and obesity with cactus, and achieved good results. It is said that this is mainly because the vitamins contained in cactus can inhibit the absorption of fat and cholesterol and slow down the intake of glucose. Edible cactus is rich in nutrition, contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, and has the functions of lowering blood sugar, blood lipid and blood pressure. The tender stems of edible cactus can be eaten as vegetables, and the fruit is sweet. Old stems can also be processed into health care products and medicines with the functions of reducing blood fat and cholesterol. Cakes, snacks and dishes in Mexico are famous. They are cooked with the flowers of local cactus plants. Cactus (Figure 9)

As a medicinal plant, cactus was first seen in Zhao Xuemin's Compendium of Materia Medica in Qing Dynasty. According to the book, cactus is light in taste and cold in nature. It has the functions of promoting qi and blood circulation, clearing away heat and toxic materials, relieving swelling and pain, invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea, calming the nerves and inducing diuresis, and can be used to treat various internal and external diseases. According to the herbal prescription written by Liu Shan in the Qing Dynasty, cactus tastes bitter and cold, and it is not difficult to cure diarrhea caused by five hemorrhoids. Children with baldness are covered with sesame oil, and insect sores and scabies are washed safely. "Seeking the Grassland" contains: cold, eliminating novelty and washing hemorrhoids. Lu Chuan's materia medica records the functions of diminishing inflammation, detoxicating, expelling pus and promoting granulation, and is used to treat sore, carbuncle, swelling and cough. "Lingnan Materia Medica Collection" records: "Cactus is baked to cure breast carbuncle and initial tuberculosis. "Minnan Folk Herbs" says that applying a proper amount of fresh cactus whole grass to the affected area can completely cure palmar furuncle. " "Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine" contains: cactus stops diarrhea and treats enteritis and diarrhea. "Mindong Materia Medica" contains: it can eliminate phlegm, relieve intestinal toxicity, strengthen stomach, relieve pain, nourish, relax tendons and activate collaterals, heal sores and stop bleeding. Treat intestinal wind, hemorrhoid, hemorrhage, lung abscess, gastropathy, and traumatic injury. Hunan Pharmacology records that cactus can relieve swelling and pain, promote qi and blood circulation, eliminate dampness and reduce fever, and promote granulation. The Picture Book of Chinese Medicinal Plants records that if the cactus skin is mashed, it can be used to treat fire injury and acute mastitis. Decocting with water can cure dysentery. "Classification of Materia Medica" contains: specializing in treating swelling pain, detumescence toxin and malignant sores. "Guizhou folk prescription drug collection" contains: cactus is a stomach-strengthening and stomach-nourishing agent, which can also replenish spleen, relieve cough and soothe the nerves. Treat heart and stomach gas pain, snake wound edema. It can be seen from the data records that cactus has a remarkable effect on treating furuncle and swelling. The existing reports are not only used for dysentery, asthma, stomachache and intestinal hemorrhoid bleeding, but also used for adjuvant treatment of nephritis, diabetes, palpitation insomnia, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, heart disease, obesity and liver disease. Magic magic cactus concentrated radiation protection stock solution.

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Edit the section on indoor cultivation.

Cactus (fig. 10)

Cactus has been transplanted from wild to indoor cultivation, which reflects a trend of urban residents to choose potted flower varieties. Because of the limited building area and dry air, it is often difficult to cultivate large or exquisite potted flowers. Only some varieties with small size, drought tolerance, simple management and high ornamental value are most suitable, and cactus plants just meet these requirements. Indoor potted cactus, it is advisable to choose varieties with small spheres and many flowers. In cultivation, this plant should not be considered drought-tolerant, and its normal watering and fertilization should be ignored. Indoor cultivation can create a closed space with high temperature and high humidity with lead wire and plastic film on the windowsill. Under this condition, most cacti not only grow fast, but also have crystal clear colors. Potted soil requires calcareous sandy soil or sandy loam with good drainage and ventilation. Don't water the newly planted cactus first, just spray it several times a day, then water it a little after half a month, and then water it normally after a month when the new roots grow. When the temperature is low in winter, plants should be watered less when they enter dormancy. After spring, with the increase of temperature, the dormancy of plants is gradually released, and watering can be gradually increased. Apply decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer every 10 day to half a month, and do not apply fertilizer in winter. Under the general residential conditions, it is not difficult to make full use of space, plant dozens of pots of various cacti and arrange a small "cactus garden". At the turn of spring and summer, all kinds of cacti on the windowsill produce dazzling flowers. After work, people can rest under such conditions, which can not only eliminate fatigue, but also enjoy the natural beauty.