Mexican cacti are a national treasure of the country. And even on the coat of arms of Mexico there is an image of the prickly pear cactus. They originated in Central America, but then moved to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, where the hot and humid climate favors the growth of these plants. It is believed that Mexico has become a country in which about a thousand new species of cacti appeared. To admire the wonderful world of these wonderful plants, many tourists come to the country.
Using cacti
Mexican cacti have a variety of uses in their homeland. In dry periods, only they can withstand the scorching sun and provide people with moisture and food. Various foods are prepared from the green pulp of plants, fruits are used instead of fruits. Ropes and threads are made from tree fibers, which are sewn using cactus needles. Cactus wood is used to make frames, wheels, poles. In the hot desert, they are the source of life.
Ountia
Prickly pear inof its kind has about 200 cactus plants. Preferably they grow in deserts, savannahs and semi-deserts.
Mexico is the birthplace of most prickly pear, which is why they are simply called Mexican cacti. These are large trees up to six meters tall, which bloom beautifully from April to September. Plants are often used to protect soil on mountain slopes from erosion. The fruits are highly valued as fruits. Prickly pear stems are used by the local population for livestock feed. Fragrant tea is brewed from the flowers. Plant extracts are added to cosmetics and medicines.
Growing prickly pear at home
Prickly pear is a very unpretentious plant. One of its shortcomings is that, due to its rapid growth, it soon turns into a long prickly cactus, while its attractiveness and decorativeness are lost. At home, growing it is quite simple, for this you need:
- Ensure moderate temperature, no more than 10 degrees in winter.
- Create sufficient lighting, otherwise the plant will stretch and look ugly.
- In winter, watering should be kept to a minimum.
- Spring fertilizer for cacti.
- Able to survive in dry air, but sometimes likes to be sprayed with warm water.
- Use prepared cactus soil for planting.
Don't grow prickly pear in a nursery. The small and thin bristles can dig into the skin and cling to clothes.
Carnegia
Cactus Carnegia giant(Saguaro) grows in the arid deserts of northwestern Mexico. This is a huge plant, the height of which exceeds 15 meters, and the weight is more than 8 tons. The life expectancy of the Saguaro is over 150 years. The plant continues to fight for its existence throughout its life. The fallen seeds of the tree gain germination only after heavy rains. The appearance of a carnegia sprout near a shrub or tree gives the plant a chance to survive. Close proximity allows the Saguaro to hide from the weather and wind, as well as absorb water and nutrients from under it.
As a result, the tree-like cactus gains strength, strong roots grow, and the plant turns into a huge tree, and the protector and source of its food dies. Carnegia grows slowly and reaches one meter only by twenty years of existence. The mature age of the cactus occurs only at 50–70 years. At this time, it begins to bloom and branch. During the rainy season, it is saturated with water and bursts, and new shoots appear from the cracks. The plant is well adapted to hot climates. Its top is covered with white thorns, lowering the tree's temperature by five degrees. There is a national park in Mexico, visiting which people enjoy the beauty of giant cacti.
Growing cactus Carnegia giant at home
We also have Saguaro - a houseplant with a rough trunk with branches extending from it, which resemble tree branches. The plant is used to decorate the interior, if the apartment has free space and sufficientlighting.
A lot of sunlight is good for the plant. For growing you need:
- Large room and high ceilings.
- Requires artificial lighting in winter.
- Water once a week is enough in summer, and once a month in winter, no need to spray.
- The room temperature must be at least 22 degrees.
- Earth and fertilizer for cacti are purchased at a flower shop. The pot is chosen voluminous and deep, the bottom is filled with drainage.
- The plant is propagated using cuttings and seeds.
Pachycereus, or cardon
Cactus Pachycereus Pringle grows in the south of the Sonoran Desert. He is akin to Saguaro, can live up to 150 years of age and grow up to 13 meters in height. Pachycereus branches begin to grow near the base and rise upwards, forming a powerful tree resembling a column. The trunk and branches are ribbed. At a young age, the surface of the cardon is covered with needles, and over time they disappear.
In the spring, the ends of old branches are strewn with buds that open, and a flower appears with large waxy white petals. Each flower lasts only 24 hours, and the flowering time lasts from 4 to 5 weeks. The fruits of the Mexican cactus Pachycereus are reddish in color with long thorns, the local population eats and makes brushes from them. The plant is protected by the state, after large areas of it were cut down for cultivation.cultivated plants.
Cardon at home
For growing at home, of all Pachycereus, the Pringle species is most suitable. It is very unpretentious, as in nature it often grows on bare rocks. The plant feels great in sunlight in a warm room of about 20 degrees and with periodic watering. When exposed to direct sunlight, for about four hours daily, the plant may bloom. In winter, it is kept at a temperature not exceeding 14 degrees, occasionally moistening the ground. The air in the room must be dry. Cardon is used for original interior design. In indoor culture, the cactus blooms only with very good care.
Agave plant
Exclusive plant of Mexico - Agave blue. It grows with cacti and is very similar in appearance to them. But agave and cactus are not the same thing. The blue agave is a herbaceous plant belonging to the lily family. It has fleshy leaves that grow up to two meters long. During flowering, a five-meter peduncle grows in the middle of the foliage, on which bright yellow flowers appear. But after flowering, the plant dies. To prolong the life of the agave, people cut off the peduncle, and then the plant lives up to 15 years. There are about 136 different types of agave in Mexico, but only the blue one is used to make the famous tequila.
Crop for the production of the drink is harvested only after the age of 11 years of the plant. Leaves and roots are removed from the agave, only the core is used,which can weigh up to 90 kilograms. The process of making tequila is laborious and requires special skills.
Conclusion
A wide variety of Mexican cacti and agave is a great help to the locals in life. The fruits of plants are used to prepare various dishes and original drinks. Shampoos, threads, natural dyes and even building materials are produced from trunks and leaves. The blue agave is used to make the popular tequila. Some of its varieties are used to make paper. Many Mexican farmers live on cacti for several months of the year.
