What purpose do needles serve on cactuses?

Cactus needles have a number of functions. Firstly, because cactus plants live in deserts and semi-arid areas, the needles reduce the loss of moisture that normally occurs through evaporation. read more

As the cactus is a "flowering plant", like all plants in this family it has leaves, but in this case, the leaves are the needles. there is very little surface area on the needles, so less moisture is lost through evaporation. read more

Scientists have therefore theorized that spines may provide protection to a cacti from sun damage and other heat and sun-related injuries or from thirsty animals looking to extract water from cacti leaves. Other Possibilities. The jury is still out on the evolutionary purpose of cactus spines. read more