Science Photo of the Day
Submitted by rkrampf on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 00:38
Although it looks like a cactus, this plant is not. How can you tell?
Excellent! This is an Ocatillo plant. The Ocatillo plant has real leaves, but they are only present during wet weather. When the weather is dry, the leaves fall off, leaving the long, woody stems that are covered with sharp thorns. By dropping its leaves during dry weather, the plant prevents water loss.
Because the stems usually have no leaves, and are covered with thorns, many people think they are a type of cactus.
Responce from Bob the donkey in mrs.webbers class
Wat's up Mr.Krampf I think it's not a cactus or cacti.I think it's not a cactus or cacti because it's branches are not thick enough.Plus a cactus is thick and pointing straight up.A cactus holds more water than that whachever you mccall it.Adois 4 now.Bob the donkey outtey
tall, skinny, non-cactus plant with red flowers
We surrender. We can't find this plant anywhere. However, we think it doesn't look like it is holding too much water like other cacti. ??
To be or not to be (a cactus, that is)?
It is not thick enough to store water in its branches. A cactus only has one stem but this one has multiple stems. It doesn't seem to have needles, just leaves and thorns. The color is brown instead of a greenish color. It is not a cactus because it has leaves on it.
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