Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called
areole s, a kind of highly reduced branch.
Areoles are an identifying
Kaynak: CactusParastichy, in phyllotaxy , is the (invisible) spiral line of the pattern of the
areole s on some plants, such as cactuses and pinecones
Kaynak: ParastichyThe spines range from black to brown, the number at each
areole gradually increasing with age; new twigs can have spineless
areoles, while
Kaynak: Pereskia grandifoliaGlochids are hair-like spines or short prickles, generally barbed, found on the
areole s of cacti in the sub-family Opuntioideae.
Kaynak: GlochidIts
areole s are tipped with woolly brown fibers and glochid s. Many of the
areoles have spines which are quite variable in size and
Kaynak: Opuntia polyacanthaThe
areole s are round and covered in hairs. Each
areole has up to 26 radial spines which are red, pink, or white in color. The spines are
Kaynak: Pediocactus knowltoniiMost species of Schlumbergera have stems which resemble leaf-like pads joined one to the other and flowers which appear from
areole s at
Kaynak: SchlumbergeraHowever, close examination shows spines developing from
areole s, and the distinctive floral cup of the cactus family. Unlike
Kaynak: Pereskiatheir cephalium , a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of
areole s from which the small flowers grow.
Kaynak: MelocactusThe stems are tall and mostly slender and often many-branched with numerous ribs with closely set
areole s and spine s. The flowers are
Kaynak: CleistocactusThe tip (podarium ) of each flowering tubercle has three parts, the spiny
areole , the groove and the axil . Without the groove it is not
Kaynak: CoryphanthaIt has 7 or 8 acute ribs, and very close or confluent
areole s. It bears dark red fruit comparable in appearance and texture to Pitaya ,
Kaynak: EscontriaThe columns are formed from around 25 ribs and are densely covered with
areole s, supporting four yellow-brown spine s up to 4 cm (2 in)
Kaynak: Cleistocactus strausii