Succulents and Cacti in my Collection

Victoria

Succulent plants have fleshy, water-storing tissue. They are represented in over fifty botanical families, including the Cactaceae (cacti), Crassulaceae (crassulas), Euphorbiaceae (euphorbias), Liliaceae (aloes), Agavaceae (agaves) and Aizoaceae (lithops). They are found in a variety of habitats, at altitudes ranging from sea level to over 4,500 metres.

Succulent plants native to arid and semi-arid regions have adapted to the very hostile conditions in these habitats. Precipitation ranges from less than 25 cm to approximately 50 to 80 cm a year and is often concentrated in a single season or a very short period followed by a period of drought. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 40°C and there is a huge difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The sun beats down on them strongly, there is little relative humidity and the winds dry them out.
My youngest daughter started a cactus garden in her teens as a project towards her Queens Scout in Venturers, which she passed and was presented with her award by the Governor General at Govt house Melbourne. Time moves on as does life, the cactus project went west, the house was sold, family spread out.
Now we have both renewed our interest in this fascinating species. At times it can be an extremely frustrating one, with the care provided having to be spot on or they turn up their toes and go to cactus heaven, I have sent quite a few there, lol. The different names given to cacti that are the same is also frustrating and confusing, but one soldiers on. The majority of my plants are kept in pots as I find it easier to keep an eye on them, however there are some that are doing well planted in the garden.
This is part of my collection that was started during 2007.