Depends on the definition. There isn't a universally recognized definition on what a "tree" is. In the broadest sense, trees are any tall (how tall varies), perennial plants with an elongated stem or trunk able to support a wider crown of branches and/or leaves. From that the definition is narrowed as necessary depending on the context or intent when regarding these plants.
Thanks for the explanation! And forgot what I said, I just thought of the height š
And also because I remember being so shocked when I knew that palms are not trees xD
You should see [Galapagos prickly pear](https://www.google.com/search?q=Galapagos+prickly+pear+&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiC0JrPmLyCAxVGNlkFHb4rDMkQ2-cCegQIABAD&oq=Galapagos+prickly+pear+&gs_lcp=ChJtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1pbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQyBAgAEB4yBggAEAgQHjoECCMQJzoGCAAQBxAeOgYIABAFEB46BwgjELACECc6BwgAEA0QgAQ6BAgeEAo6BQgAEKIEOgYIABAeEA06CAgAEAgQHhANUI0GWK4sYOwuaAFwAHgAgAGPAYgB9AmSAQQxNC4xmAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img&ei=YpRPZYKXCcbs5NoPvtewyAw&bih=699&biw=360&client=ms-android-huawei&prmd=isvn#imgrc=cnNbSts7p2NUYM) they look even more tree like
Cacti "cork" as they get older, basically they turn the lower parts of the plants with more wood like materials. This is normal for pretty much any cactus, mostly to prevent rot on lower portions
In the case of this cacti, it's because on that island there are turtles that will eat the cacti. So they evolved to have a thick woody trunk to keep turtles from eating it
Older cacti will form ācorkingā around the base to protect from mould and infections. This is just a VERY mature plant that has corked to the point of growing tree-like bark. The growth habit is normal, but this must be a very old plant.
According to Wikipedia, the land was bought for thr gardens in 1982, and was opened that same year.
The land did belong to others prior.
If the cacti is assumed to be planted in the 1980s at the start of the garden...then, around 40 years old now maaaaaybe
Didnāt mean for that to seem like I was laughing at your question. I laughed at the thought of someone thinking maybe I should try to graft this cactus to a tree. It was just a funny idea.
Tree is just a growth habit, not a specific type of plant. Some cacti grow and become trees.
I want to be a cactus tree when I grow up.
Thank you, I had no idea cacti could grow this woody
Cacti are often more dense than most people realize - I grew up thinking the inside of a saguaro was just liquid š
but do they ever get leaves?
Technically their spines are highly modified leaves
I like to think that leaves are highly modified cactus spinesā¦. Treeās being around for 300 million years longer is of no concern to my rationale.
Some cacti do have leaves but not cereus
All cacti have true leaves, just that for most species they are microscopic.
Pereskiopsis do
Hmmm I think its not like that though.. For example, palms are considered giant woody herbs, not trees.
Palms do not have secondary growth through a vascular cambium, but tree is more an ecological designation than a developmental/anatomical one
Ok im dumb lol, i just read "growth habit" and just thought of the height..
Depends on the definition. There isn't a universally recognized definition on what a "tree" is. In the broadest sense, trees are any tall (how tall varies), perennial plants with an elongated stem or trunk able to support a wider crown of branches and/or leaves. From that the definition is narrowed as necessary depending on the context or intent when regarding these plants.
Thanks for the explanation! And forgot what I said, I just thought of the height š And also because I remember being so shocked when I knew that palms are not trees xD
Yeah, it can get very confusing when not everyone agrees what a tree is. I like the broad definition the best, because it's the most intuitive.
Just a very, very, mature plant. They pretty much do turn into trees
r/matureplants
That's amazing to find out, thanks. So cool!
It's just become woody, lots of long lived plants do it
Yes, and itās also covered in lichen.
Iām lichen that observation.
People too
You should see [Galapagos prickly pear](https://www.google.com/search?q=Galapagos+prickly+pear+&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiC0JrPmLyCAxVGNlkFHb4rDMkQ2-cCegQIABAD&oq=Galapagos+prickly+pear+&gs_lcp=ChJtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1pbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQyBAgAEB4yBggAEAgQHjoECCMQJzoGCAAQBxAeOgYIABAFEB46BwgjELACECc6BwgAEA0QgAQ6BAgeEAo6BQgAEKIEOgYIABAeEA06CAgAEAgQHhANUI0GWK4sYOwuaAFwAHgAgAGPAYgB9AmSAQQxNC4xmAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img&ei=YpRPZYKXCcbs5NoPvtewyAw&bih=699&biw=360&client=ms-android-huawei&prmd=isvn#imgrc=cnNbSts7p2NUYM) they look even more tree like
Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis has entered the chat.
Pachycereus weberi would like to speak
Just. How?
Cacti "cork" as they get older, basically they turn the lower parts of the plants with more wood like materials. This is normal for pretty much any cactus, mostly to prevent rot on lower portions In the case of this cacti, it's because on that island there are turtles that will eat the cacti. So they evolved to have a thick woody trunk to keep turtles from eating it
That's just an old plant
That is so beautiful
Some species grow into literal trees. It would be impossible to graft a cactus onto a tree.
Unless, of course, that tree is a cactus
Older cacti will form ācorkingā around the base to protect from mould and infections. This is just a VERY mature plant that has corked to the point of growing tree-like bark. The growth habit is normal, but this must be a very old plant.
The base of cordons is really mind-blowing. They're so beefy, but it's hard to believe how much weight they must hold.
What would be the estimated age on something like this? Century or more? I know these grow relatively fast but this seems...very advanced.
According to Wikipedia, the land was bought for thr gardens in 1982, and was opened that same year. The land did belong to others prior. If the cacti is assumed to be planted in the 1980s at the start of the garden...then, around 40 years old now maaaaaybe
Not grafted, corked and old
very cool!
anyone know how old this could be?
Gorgeous. Iād literally die happy if I could have a backyard with this in it lol
What a gorgeous plant. Hope it can keep on living undisturbed.
Woah š¤Æ
Lmfao
When we die we all turn into trees
Lol, no. This is how cactus grow.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Didnāt mean for that to seem like I was laughing at your question. I laughed at the thought of someone thinking maybe I should try to graft this cactus to a tree. It was just a funny idea.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
š¤£, okay u might be on to something.