Peniocereus striatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peniocereus striatus |
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Cereus diguetii |
The Peniocereus striatus is a special type of cactus. People call it by many names, like gearstem cactus or dahlia-rooted cactus. You can find this cactus only in the Sonoran Desert. This desert stretches across Mexico (in Baja California, Sinaloa, and Sonora) and into Arizona in the United States.
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What it Looks Like
This cactus grows like a shrub. It has thin, round stems that can be brown or green. These stems can grow up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) long, and sometimes even 2 meters! When the plant is not blooming, it is hard to see. It often looks like a bunch of dead sticks hidden among other plants.
The stems have small, weak spines. These spines are only a few millimeters long. They are usually yellowish-white, but some have black tips.
Amazing Roots
One cool thing about this cactus is its roots. At the end of its roots, there are big, round swellings. These look a lot like sweet potatoes!
Flowers and Fruit
The Peniocereus striatus cactus has beautiful flowers that open at night. These flowers can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) wide. The inside parts of the flower are white or pink. The outside parts are reddish or purplish.
After the flowers bloom, the cactus grows bright red fruit. This fruit is spiny and about 4 or 5 centimeters long. The cactus usually flowers and grows fruit when the summer rains begin.
Where it Grows
This cactus likes to grow in sandy desert soil. You can find it on hills and flat areas. It often grows under other plants, like ironwood trees and creosote bushes. These "nurse plants" help protect the young cactus.
Life Cycle
Sphinx moths help to pollinate the flowers at night. This means the moths carry pollen from one flower to another. Birds love to eat the seeds of this cactus. When birds eat the seeds and then fly away, they help to spread them. This is why many of these cacti grow under trees where birds like to rest.
Is it in Danger?
Some groups of this cactus are shrinking. But overall, the Peniocereus striatus is common in its home area. It is not considered a threatened species right now.
