Cactus spines

Cactus spines are produced from specialize structure called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Areoles are an identifying features of cacti. As well as spines, areoles give rise to flowers, which are usually tubular and multipetaled. Many cacti have short growing season and long dormancies, and are able to react quickly to any rainfall, helped by an extensive but relatively shallow system root that quickly absorb any water reaching the ground surface. Cactus spines stem are often ribbed or fluted which allows them to expand and contract easily for quick water absorption.

Cacti spine has a variety uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage and others for food (especially fruits) .