The cactus family (Cactaceae) is a fascinating world of bright flowers and spiny stems, ranging from tiny plants to the huge desert giants, various characteristics of cactus are:
(1) Succulent adapted to dry, desert-like conditions
(2) CAM pathway for photosynthesis or food production
(3) A specialized waxy, ribbed surface that covers the exterior of many cacti.
(4) cactus species have SPINES that protect the plant and minimize surface area for water loss
(5) Cactus flowers are short-lived and provide the primary characteristics that separate cacti from other succulents.