Trace the history of Cactus Flower

Illustration of Cactus Flower

Trace the history of Cactus Flower. Sharp thorny spikes painful. Grown in the driest areas and heat on Earth. There was no mistaking this is a hell of plants. Well, rather than the plant so hell. In an honest point of view It is a plant paradise. Plants that are no different and offer drug benefits for human health and nutrition. This is another genus of plants in trees or plants such as aloevera, and people think this cactus flower species rarely, if not never thought, as having health benefits.

Cacti only known most of ornamental plants, with their unique appearance and easy treatments. But there are several species of cactus that is useful in the fields of health and medicine. In this article, learn about the medicinal use of cactus plants as well as the same nutritional benefits.  See also for Tiger Orchids Flowers.

Cactus flowers including Cactaceae family or relatives. Cactus typically grows in dry areas, without water, like a desert. So it's no surprise that this plant has long roots, which are used to locate water sources and then store it in the trunk. Cactus leaves can also be transformed into spines so as to reduce evaporation. Why cacti can live longer without water.

Cactus Flower History

Cactus flower has a unique shape as well as other body shape. Cactus comes from the Greek, meaning cactus the wild without having thorns. The discovery of this plant is mentioned when the Europeans have yet to find a new world. In the 16th century references to this plant found in the book History General y Natural de Las Indias (1535), written by Hernandez de Oviedo Valdez. Most of the species are from North America, South America, Central America.

Cactus Flower Morphology

Why does a cactus survive in a dry place ? Classified as a succulent cactus plant because it can save a lot of water mains in the trunk. Stems of this plant has varying kinds and can deviate in the volume of water reserves much. Likewise, to be able to survive in arid areas such as deserts, cactus has a unique metabolic system. Cactus usually will open stomata (leaf mouth) at night, in the humid weather conditions that do not spend a lot of evaporation. In the night cactus also take CO2 from the surrounding environment. Many species of cactus have spines that are used to protect against herbivores, as well as to reduce the rate of evaporation during the day.

Pests attack Cactus Flower

Strong durability cactus live in arid places in the trunk because the water supply in sufficient volume, will be affected by pest attack by bacteria and fungi that attack cactus water supplies. Hence, if found bacterial infection that has spread needs to be removed and carried transplant cactus that does not necessarily wither and die. Pests that attack cactus are lice and mites. Damage to the cactus body parts can also be caused due to tissue damage caused by sun exposure. Likewise, when the cactus flowers that had been put into place and then moved to a shady spot exposed to direct sunlight then there will be no change in color to match the color of her body. And it could lead to a cactus "sick".

Benefits Of Cactus Flower

All cactus plants are not edible. Two main types of cactus that is medically useful and suitable for human consumption are :

Prickly Pear or Opuntia

A bright green form matted, tapered paddle protruding from the stem and fruit attractive rounded red, orange or yellow are the two main characteristics of this type of cactus. Oupuntia cactus is also called cactus paddles and belong to the genus Opuntia cactus. They are also different species of cactus, because dual spike system, fixed and glochids prickly thorns. Leaves are called nopales or cactus pads and fruit are called tuna or pears. After peeling the outer skin, the pear can be eaten raw or cooked to make jellies and candies. Body shape oars used in Mexican dishes such as vegetables.

Consuming nopal or prickly pear cactus pad from has the following health benefits :

1. Nopal contains pectin, bio-chemical components that reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
   
2. Pectin is a chemical that is useful for patients with diabetes, because insulin helps curb appetite. So tall prickly pear pectin content makes it efficacious for patients with diabetes.
   
3. Nopal is a vegetarian source of protein which helps with water retention in the body. And is also useful for vegetarians looking to supplement their protein levels.
   
4. Nopal is a source of fiber and hence helps in digestion by the body regulate bowel function. It also helps with the absorption of water.
   
5. Fleshy cactus pads are shed nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, B6 and K. And also contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
   
6. Just like the nopal, pear or tuna also contain a lot of fiber in the flesh. So like other fibrous vegetables and fruits, better digestion and appetite satiated make both parts of the prickly pear, the perfect diet aids in controlling hunger.

Medical benefits of the prickly pear nopal include :

1. Treating constipation and acts as a natural laxative
2. Strengthen the immune system
3. Reduce and prevent inflammation in the muscles throughout the body, from the people in the digestive tract to the muscles in the bladder
4. Reducing cholesterol levels in the body
5. Stabilize glucose and insulin levels in the body
6. Act as a source of anti-oxidants
7. Help treat stomach ulcers
8. Can be applied to heal wounds, scrapes and insect bites
9. Assist in reducing the effects of drinking too much alcohol

Pitaya fruit

Prickly pear fruit-bearing is not only one of the species of cactus. Several species of cactus, Hylocereus genus being one example, growing fruit, great view called pitaya or dragon fruit or dragon fruit.

Although native to Central America, the cactus is also grown in South Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Depending on their area of ​​growth, pitaya red or yellow skinned with red meat or white light. They have the form of a green leaf-like growth protruding from the outer surface of the fruit. Seeds and flesh can be eaten raw, without the skin of the fruit. You can also make a dragon fruit juice or wine. Benefits include :

1. The fruit is low in calories but fibrous in content, making it an ideal food for diet. It is also rich in poly-unsaturated fats, which are healthy fats that are needed by the body.
   
2. The fruit is rich in minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus.
   
3. Eating fruit is said to encourage the release of toxins and harmful chemicals from the body.
   
4. Fruits also controls and helps in regulating blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
   
5. It is a valuable source of natural anti-oxidants.
   
6. The fruit is quickly absorbed and metabolized by the body, when eaten, so pitaya can be used as a natural supplement Vitamin C instead of pills.
   
7. The fruit has a reducing effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure in the body, hence proving its usefulness for those who suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes.

In summation, the above medical use of this cactus flower species, we can describe the characteristics of human nature that have to be grateful for: whatever is the plant, there is some hidden value or benefits that are useful to humans. Even though prickly cactus. This is not the fruit of hell. But a heaven from hell.