5 Of The Most Unique Cactus flower

The world of plants is often one of strange beauty and pure wonder. Coming in many shapes and sizes, plants are all unique in some way, yet cacti are some of the most amazing plants in the world. Protected by an outer layer of spines, cacti endure some of the harshest and demanding environments.

Relying on their incredible water storage abilities and thick skin to prevent water loss, cacti are hidden deep in the driest deserts and even up in the peaks of some mountains. While cacti are certainly unique amongst other plants, some are bizare—even by cacti standards.

1. Agave Cactus

Known as the Agave cactus, Leuchtenbergia principis is unique because of the straight, finger-like protrusions from its main stem.

Leuchtenbergia principis (agave cactus or prism cactus), the sole species of the genus Leuchtenbergia, is a species of cactus. It is native to north-central Mexico (San Luis Potosi, Chihuahua). The genus is named after Maximilian Eugen Joseph (1817–1852), Duke of Leuchtenberg and amateur botanist.

It is very slow-growing but can eventually grow up to 70 cm high, with a cylindrical stem which becomes bare and corky at the base with age. It has long, slender, grayish-green tubercles 6–12 cm long, with purplish-red blotches at their tips. The tubercles are topped with papery spines, making the plant resemble an agave; old, basal tubercles dry up and fall off.

After four years or so, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers 5–6 cm diameter may be borne at the tubercle tips. The fruit is smooth and green, 3 cm long and 2 cm broad. It has a large, tuberous taproot.

2 Ariocarpus Fissuratus (“Living Rocks”)

Ariocarpus fissuratus (formerly known as Anhalonium fissuratus) is a species of cactus found in small numbers in northern Mexico and Texas in the United States. Common names include living rock cactus, false peyote, and chautle.

3. Discocactus horstii

Discocactus is a genus of tropical cacti. The name comes from the ancient Greek diskos (=disc) because of its shape. Discocactus plants are endemic to southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and northern Paraguay. These species are in the risk of extinction in the wild.

The plants have a slightly flattened spherical shape. The areoles bear sharp spines. At the apex of the adult plants, there is a wooly cephalium, white or shaded with yellow or grey. The white nocturnal flowers appear on the sides of the cephalium. The fruits are pink or red and contain black seeds.

4. Hylocereus undatus

Hylocereus undatus (white-fleshed pitahaya) is a species of Cactaceae and is the most cultivated species in the genus. It is used both as an ornamental vine and as a fruit crop – the pitahaya or dragon fruit. The native origin of the species has never been resolved.

5. Astrophytum caput-medusae

One of a kind in form, A. caput-medusae grows as its name implies, like the snake hair of medusa. Recently discovered, A. caput-medusae was first put into its own classification until it was discovered that its flowers were identical to those of the Astrophytum genus, as well as its small tufts of soft wool-like hairs from its the stem. This secured its place as an Astrophytum species. 

Producing brilliant yellow flowers with red centers, A. caput-medusae readily produces some of the largest seeds among cacti, measuring between 1/8th and 1/4th of an inch across.

Aloe - wonderful help for numerous ailments

There are many ways to use aloe vera of which the body and mind can benefit.

This plant the ancient Egyptians called the "plant of immortality" and the Americans is known as "Wand of Heaven" (heavenly wand).

Aloe vera has a unique composition and medicinal properties that more surprising scientists.

The magic formula of aloe vera is a succulent and translucent gel which is in its large green leaves.


This gel contains over 200 valuable active substances such as anthraquinone, amino acids, enzymes, lignin, sterols, saponins, vitamins and minerals.

Some ingredients of aloe vera are not yet known science.


Practical application of aloe vera in everyday life

1.First reduces pain and itching caused by insect sting

Application of chilled gel to the bite relaxes and soothes sore spot.


2. minimize tissue damage caused by frostbite

Aloe gel or juice squeezed from the leaves of the plants treat damaged tissue twice a day.



3. Helps with skin rashes and allergic reactions

If you are unable to obtain the gel can be used and aloe. Apply it at least three times a day in the area affected by a rash.



4. eliminates herpes virus

Apply aloe vera lotion to the sore herpes and let it dry. You mitigate the consequences of an outbreak of herpes.



5. Decreases the problems with acne and the appearance of the annoying pimples

Apply pure gel immediately after washing and cleansing.

6.Eases symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema

Aloe is a true nectar of the skin. It has a soothing, clean the skin of dirt, disinfects and accelerates healing.

7.Net seventh body inside and out

Lotion, gel and shampoo can be applied locally for cleaning and care of skin and hair. Oral intake of aloe vera helps detoxify the digestive tract and blood.



8. Reduces pigmentation and dark spots on the skin

Do you have problems with uneven skin tone, regularly apply aloe vera gel or cream on problem areas.



9. Massage the skin peeling of aloe vera

Make your own natural body scrub! Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, a teaspoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of brown sugar. Good massage into the skin, then wash off with lukewarm water.



10. The composition of burns that you can make yourself

Mix wheat germ oil and aloe gel and treat it burned area.



11. recipe against sunburn

Mix 1 tablespoon slanutkovog flour, 1 tablespoon orange peel powder, 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon of aloe gel. The mixture apply on skin and rinse off after 30 minutes.



12. Top Skin Care

Aloe vera gel and juice moisturize and soften skin. Apply it on the face and after 20 minutes rinse with plain water.



13. Protection of scars and stretch marks

Mix 2 cups of sea salt, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of aloe vera and 2 cups of honey. Apply the mixture on the body and leave for half an hour. Then rinse.



14.Skin rejuvenation

If applied regularly, this plant contributes youthful appearance, reduces skin aging and wrinkling.



15. Skincare Spray

Aloe vera gel is an excellent preparation for skin care after shaving.

16. Faster growth and better looking hair

Aloe vera accelerates the growth of hair and gives it a silky shine. Massage your scalp with products based on aloe vera, and then rinse thoroughly.



17. Helps against asthma

Inhalation of vapors leaves of aloe vera boiled in water proved relieves asthma.



18. Reduces blood sugar levels

Juices of aloe vera reduces blood sugar levels which is very useful for diabetics.



19. naturally nourishes teeth

Using toothpaste based on aloe vera maintains healthy teeth and strengthens the gums.



20. miraculous healing properties for the entire body!

For internal use, aloe vera soothes indigestion, heartburn, ulcers, hemorrhoids, urinary infections, colitis, prostate problems, rheumatism and arthritis.

How to Identify Your Succulent Plant

The broad category of “succulent plant” includes thousands of plants, including both indoor and outdoor plants, so identifying a specific genus and species can be difficult. Identification is difficult in part because succulent plants often have multiple common names that can be used interchangeably. There are a few steps a person can take to obtain an accurate identification, which mainly focus on using the plant’s physical features as descriptors.

What is a Succulent?

Succulents are plants with fleshy leaves that store water. Cacti, which tend to have spikes, fall under the broad succulent category, but not all succulents are cacti. For both cacti and succulents, it is unlikely to find pure, liquid water within the plant’s leaves. Instead, there is typically a gel-like, moist substance within the leaves.

In general, a plant that has evolved to live in warm, dry climates by storing water in its leaves and stems may be considered a succulent. Some popular types of succulent plants include Crassula, Haworthia, Mammillaria, Aloe, Sedum, and Lithops, all of which offer their own unique traits and characteristics.

The Identification Process

One way to avoid a long identification process is to simply ask the plant seller which succulent plant is being purchased. If the seller does not know or it is not possible to ask, start the identification process by first discerning whether the plant is a succulent or a cactus, and then getting more specific from there by looking at the plant’s leaf shape and overall configuration.

Leaf Shape

Succulents can have dramatically different leaves, from the long, thin, triangle-shaped leaves of an Aloe vera plant to the small, almost perfectly spherical leaves of a Senecio rowleyanus, also known by its common name, String of Pearls. Knowing the leaf shape alone can be helpful for quick identification, like in the case of the String of Pearls, or for succulents with unique leaf shapes, but this is not always the case.

Rosette Shape

Certain types of succulent plants have a rosette shape, which feature tight clusters with leaves that radiate out from a central point, much like a flower. Some rosette succulents have pointed leaves, while others have rounded leaves. Details such as this are helpful for identification.

Overall Configuration and Age

Succulent plants sometimes grow long stalks or strands, while others stay squat and close to the ground, growing outwards rather than upwards. Age tends to have an impact on a succulent’s appearance, with some starting as a cluster of leaves poking out of the soil and growing into a tall, treelike structure with woody stems and leaves only on the outermost parts of the plant. For this reason, it may be easier to identify some succulents as they continue to grow and age.

Plant Size

A plant’s overall size can be helpful for identification as well. Succulents that are just 2.8 or 3.1 inches (7 or 8 centimeters) tall or wide are generally indoor plants, while those that are larger in size are typically grown in a garden. Size descriptors of a plant can help a succulent owner narrow down options.

Flower Color and Shape

If the succulent features distinctive flowers, that information can be useful for identification. The time of year that the succulent blooms can also be significant. For example, Christmas cacti have long, bright flowers with petals, and they bloom in early to mid winter, usually right in time for Christmas — hence the name “Christmas Cactus“.

Other Significant Details

There are a few additional details that can help lead to the positive identification of a succulent plant. If the plant has any physical features that are easy to describe, those words can be the very keywords that help identify the plant. For example, if a person owns a succulent with green, spiky leaves that have white stripes on them, you most likely have a Haworthia attenuata or Haworthia fasciata. If the succulent plant features long, overlaying leaves, a plant owner may own a Sedum morganianum, which is commonly known as a Burro’s Tail or Donkey’s Tail.

Source: ebay.com