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Sweet noor

How euphorbias and cacti cope with water shortage.

11 Aug 2011

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Gallery Images

Sweet noor

Image: Anna Faherty

This sweet noor (Euphorbia coerulescens) from the ‘Old world’ of Africa and Madagascar is covered in sharp spi ...more

Evolution in action

Image: Matthew High

This is an example of convergent evolution, where different species in disparate locations have adapted to the ...more

How spines evolved

Image: Chris Guy

Cactus spines evolved from leaves, while euphorbia spines derived from stems (or the paired ‘stipules’ at the ...more

Why spines help prevent water loss

Image: Daniel Peckham

Dense coverings of spines or hairs can even create a microclimate around a plant, insulating its sensitive gro ...more

Adaptations for storing water

Image: Dan Mullen

The stems of many euphorbia and cacti also look similar. Ribbed structures like this allow the body of a plant ...more

Strategies for finding shade

Image: Wendell

Ribs also provide a built-in sunshade, ensuring no single part of the plant is exposed to the intensity of the ...more

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