A cactus is a kind of plant.[1] They are xerophytes, specializing in hot, dry climates. Cacti are members of the plant family Cactaceae, in the order Caryophyllales.
Cacti are native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north—except for Rhipsalis baccifera, which also grows in Africa and Sri Lanka.[2] Many people like to grow cactus in pots or gardens. Now cacti have spread to many other parts of the world. They are part of an important food chain.