Question

Do the spines of a cactus have a waxy coating because already their leaves are reduced to spines?

Answer 1

Spines of cactus:

1. Cactus is a plant adapted to grow in the deserts. ​
2. The leaves of cactus are modified to form spines to reduce water loss.
   
3. Transpiration does not occur in cactus because of the presence of spines and hence water can be conserved in the dry environment.
   
4. After the modification, the spines do not need the waxy coating on them as it already prevents transpiration.