Cactus is a succulent belonging to the Cactaceae Plant Family. They come in many different forms but basically consist of a water-storing body and covered with areoles from which sharp spines protrude. These spines or thorns are actually leaves that had evolved to be sharp and pointy. With about 1750 known species, cacti comes in all different shapes and sizes. Some resemble trees (Saguaro), some climb on long branches (Dragon Fruit), some have stems that look like ping-pong paddles (Prickly Pear), and many are shaped like barrels. One of the most beautiful of the barrel cacti are of the genus Echinopsis. Echino meaning hedgehog or sea urchin and opsis meaning appearance. Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America. They are known for their spectacular flowers borne on long tubes and often bigger than the plants themselves.
The Hālawa Xeriscape Garden continues to remain closed to the public due to COVID-19 until further notice.
