Acharagma ((N.P.Taylor)Glass 1998) Etymology: From the Greek "a" meaning without and "charagma" meaning groove, in reference to the absence of grooves on the areolar warts, a characteristic that distinguishes them from the genus Escobaria, with which they are closely related.Place of Origin: Northern Mexico
Adromischus (Lemaire 1852) Small plants in the form of miniature shrubs. Highly reduced stems, very fleshy leaves with a tendency to be rounded and inflated. Highly resistant to water scarcity and direct sunlight. Very sensitive to waterlogging and fungi. They prefer highly mineral soils with little organic matter. Etymology: Adromischus: Derived from the Greek words adros = "thick" and mischos = "stem".Place of Origin: They are endemic to southern Africa
Aeonium (Webb & Berthel. 1840) Succulent plants with rosette shapes on cylindrical stems. Evergreen fleshy leaves. Despite being endemic to the Canary Islands, due to its ease of cultivation, it is widely used as a domestic ornamental plant. Etymology: Derived from the Greek "aionion," meaning ever-living.Place of Origin: Most of them are from the Canary Islands. A few live in Madeira, and in northern and eastern Africa.
Agave (L. 1753) Formed by a typically short stem in the shape of a rosette and completely covered with fibrous leaves, in most cases with strong spines. They bloom only once, then die. Etymology: From the Greek "Agavos," meaning admirable.Place of Origin: Northern Mexico and southern U.S.A.
Aloinopsis (Schwantes 1926) Shrubby or small tree-like plants, perennial, with fleshy stems and opposite leaves, generally compact and succulent. The flowers are small, hermaphroditic, with five free petals and sepals, arranged in inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule containing tiny seeds. They are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Some species are valued for their ornamental appeal, drought tolerance, and ease of cultivation. Etymology: Similar to AloePlace of Origin: South Africa and some nearby areas.
Arrojadoa (Britton & Rose 1920) Etymology: In honor of Miguel Arrojado Lisboa, superintendent of the railways in 1920.Place of Origin: Northern Brazil
Astrophytum (Lem 1839) One of the most popular genera due to its relatively easy cultivation, spectacular blooms, and diverse forms. It has given rise to hundreds of highly prized cultivars, particularly cherished by the Japanese, who have elevated its cultivation into an art form. Etymology: From the Greek [Aster], star and [Phyton], plant. Star-shaped plant.
Austrocylindropuntia (Backeberg 1938) Etymology: Southern cylindrical opuntias.Place of Origin: Northern Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Brasiliopuntia ((K.Schum.) A.Berger 1926) Monotypic genus, see *Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis*. Etymology: Brazilian Opuntia. Although it may be found in neighboring countries.Place of Origin: Southern edge of Brazil, northern Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.
Browningia (Britton & Rose 1920) Etymology: In honor of Webster E. Browning.Place of Origin: Southern Peru and northern Chile.
Caralluma (R.Br.1810) Etymology: No está clara, existen dos versiones: Del telugu, lengua india, “Car-allum” que es el nombre informal de una planta, o del árabe “qarh al-luhum” que significa más o menos herida infectada por el olor de las flores.Place of Origin: África tropical, península Arábiga, y subcontinente indio.
Conophytum (N.E.Br. 1951) They are typically composed of one or two pairs of leaves fused at the base, giving the plant a globular or slightly pointed appearance. Their fleshy leaves, ranging in color from grayish-green to brown, allow them to store water and blend into their arid environment. They require high sun exposure, minimal water, and cannot tolerate waterlogging. They bloom during cold seasons, producing small yellow flowers that resemble tiny suns. Etymology: It means cone-shaped plant.Place of Origin: South Africa and Namibia.
Crassula ((L.) Schönl. 1753) It comprises about 200–300 species of shrubby or creeping plants. They feature opposite, fleshy, and generally glabrous leaves. The flowers are small, with five petals, clustered in bouquet-like inflorescences at the stem tips. They are commonly used in gardening. Their main water storage is in the leaves. Etymology: From the Latin "crassus," meaning thick, in reference to the leaves of many species in this genus.Place of Origin: Primarily from southern Africa, although they can be found in many arid regions around the world.
Dinteranthus (Schwantes 1939) Compact in appearance, with fleshy leaves that give them a strong resemblance to small stones, helping them blend into their arid environment. To enhance their camouflage, the various species are adapted to match the color of the terrain they inhabit, making them nearly undetectable. Their leaves, typically arranged in pairs, display colors ranging from greenish-gray to brown, often with speckled patterns. They bloom in summer or autumn, producing striking flowers in yellow or orange tones. They require full sun, minimal watering, and a very well-draining substrate. Although they bear a notable resemblance to Lithops, they maintain slight differences in appearance from this genus and, most importantly, a distinct habitat. Etymology: In honor of the German botanist Kurt Dinter (1868–1945).Place of Origin: Namibia and northern South Africa.
Dracaena (Van Ex L 1767) They have significant ornamental value, and a resin (Dragon''s Blood) is also obtained from them, which is used as a dye or for medicinal purposes. Place of Origin: Macaronesia and tropical Africa. Some in southern Asia and a single species in Central America.
Duvalia (Haw.1812) Etymology: In honor of Dr. Henri Auguste Duval (1777-1814), French physician and botanist.
Escobaria (Britton & Rose 1923) Etymology: Genus dedicated to the brothers Rómulo (1872-1946) and Numa Pompilio (1874-1949) Escobar Zerman, both born in Ciudad Juarez, who pursued significant careers as agronomists and also held various political positions.Place of Origin: From northern Mexico to southern Canada.
Euphorbia (L. 1753) It exhibits great morphological diversity, ranging from small herbs to shrubs and cactus-like succulents. This resemblance to cacti often leads to frequent misidentification. Its distinguishing feature is the cyathium, an inflorescence that mimics a single flower. Many species exude an irritating and toxic white latex from any injury. Etymology: The term Euphorbia derives from Euphorbus, the renowned physician of King Juba of Mauritania (25 BC to 33 AD), with whom he traveled throughout North Africa, including the Canary Islands, to study its flora.Place of Origin: All non-frozen areas of the planet.
Faucaria (M.H.G. Schwantes en 1926) Despite its aggressive appearance, which resembles crocodile mouths—in some species even with "teeth"—the plant is completely harmless. It consists of fleshy leaves in shades ranging from light green to brown. It forms compact rosettes and blooms mainly in autumn, with striking yellow flowers that open in the sun. It requires good lighting and is very sensitive to waterlogging, so it needs well-drained soil and moderate watering. Etymology: It comes from the Latin fauces, which means mouths.Place of Origin: South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape Region.
Furcraea (Mill. 1768) Plant formed by a large rosette similar to that of an agave, although they typically develop a clearly defined stem that reaches several meters in height. It produces a single flowering event in the form of a floral stalk that can grow up to 10m tall, where seeds and bulbils are produced. They are drought-resistant and cultivated as ornamentals or for fiber production. Etymology: In honor of Antoine de Furcray, an 18th-century French naturalist.Place of Origin: Tropical regions of America.
Glottiphyllum (Haw.1821.) Its thick, fleshy, smooth-textured, green, and flattened leaves, arranged in pairs, stand out. Its great capacity to store water allows it to survive in arid conditions. The plants form low, compact clumps and produce small yellow flowers reminiscent of daisies. It typically prefers poor, sandy soils. It is widely used in xeriscaping due to its ability to cover spaces and its drought resistance. Etymology: From the Greek "glotta" (tongue) and "phyllon" (leaf). The name refers to its leaves, which resemble tongues.Place of Origin: Endemic to South Africa and Namibia.
Grusonia (H.Robinson 1973) Etymology: Dedicated to Hermann Gruson, (1821-1895) a German engineer based in Magdeburg and cultivator of cacti.
Haworthia (Duval1809) Small in size and relatively easy to cultivate, they exhibit an enormous variety of forms, making them a fascinating genus. Etymology: In honor of the English botanist Adrian Haworth.
Kalanchoe (Adans 1763) Plants of highly diverse sizes, ranging from small herbaceous specimens to large ones reaching about 6-7 meters. They are perennial plants, although some species exhibit partial leaf loss (not complete) in winter. They feature very distinctive flowering stems in the form of umbels. Blooming occurs between late autumn and early spring. Etymology: From Chinese (kalan chai), which means: “a plant that falls and grows.”Place of Origin: Africa, especially tropical regions.
Lapidaria ((Dinter & Schwantes) N.E. Br., 1927) It is found in arid and rocky habitats. They are small succulents with opposite fleshy leaves that resemble stones, providing them with camouflage against herbivores. Their bright yellow flowers bloom in summer. They require well-drained soils. Etymology: Pertaining to stones in reference to their stony appearance.Place of Origin: Mainly Namibia and some in northern South Africa.
ledebouria (Roth1821) Recently split from the genus Scilla, it consists of small-sized plants that form clumps of tiny bulbs, often protruding from the soil, giving them a highly attractive appearance. Place of Origin: Southern Hemisphere, particularly in India, Madagascar, and southern Africa.
Lithops (N.E. Brown 1922) Often called "living stones," they are neither cacti nor stones. They consist of two thick, fused leaves that give them the appearance of a small rock. They perfectly mimic the colors and patterns of their natural surroundings, allowing them to camouflage. They produce spectacular white or yellow flowers, and much of the plant remains buried to conserve water. They are highly adapted species to arid climates. Etymology: From the Greek: lithos (stone) and ops (form).Place of Origin: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and some in Angola.
Maihuenia (K.Schum. 1898) Sole representative of the subfamily Maihuenioideae. It features small, succulent, and persistent leaves, which are unusual among cacti. It has segmented stems, fine spines, and solitary, hermaphroditic, showy flowers. Its fruits are fleshy berries. These plants are adapted to rocky soils and extreme climates.
Monadenium Etymology: From the Greek (Monos) meaning single or alone, and (adenium), meaning gland, in reference to the flower of Monadenium coccineum, the first to be discovered.Place of Origin: Tropical East Africa excluding Madagascar.
Obregonia (Fric 1925) Monotypic genus. For many years, it has been considered the epitome of an endangered cactus species, due to the fragility of its habitat, ease of poaching, small size, and high price. Fortunately, in recent years, all these trends have been curbed as local authorities have begun to protect its habitat, while mass reproduction initiatives have significantly reduced its price. Etymology: Dedicated to D. Álvaro Obregón.Place of Origin: State of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Opuntia (L. 1753) Plants of great ecological and economic importance, frequently used as food for both humans and livestock. They provide shelter for wildlife.
Pachypodium (Lindl. 1830) They are undoubtedly distinguished by their thickened base of the stem, a characteristic that gives the genus its name, sometimes forming truly thick trunks in proportion to the plant. These stems serve as their main water reserve. Highly adapted to arid climates, they take the form of shrubs or small trees, many with spines on the branches and deciduous leaves. They exhibit showy flowering, usually white or yellow and large in size. They are common in gardening, although they require care to prevent stem rot. Etymology: From the Greek pachy- ("thick") and -podium ("foot"), in reference to the characteristic thickening of its stems.Place of Origin: Madagascar and southern Africa.
Plectranthus (LHér. 1788) Plants with a creeping habit and fleshy appearance. They have a strong tendency to cover anything they encounter along their way. They prefer partial shade and moderate temperatures. Widely used as ornamental indoor plants. Several of their species are commonly known as "Money Plant" or "Money Flower." Both the plant and its delicate flower are highly attractive. Etymology: From the Greek "plectron", meaning spur, and "anthos", meaning flower, due to the resemblance of part of its flower to a spur.Place of Origin: Warm or temperate zones of the Southern Hemisphere such as Australia, Africa, Indonesia, and India.
Pleiospilos (N.E.Br. 1925) Despite their appearance, which resembles huge pincers, they are completely harmless, as they lack spines and are actually quite soft. Their main defense is camouflage by mimicking rocks. They have thick, fleshy leaves arranged in pairs, with colors ranging from light green to grayish brown. They bloom in autumn or spring, producing large flowers, usually orange or yellow in color. They require little water and plenty of light. Etymology: From the Greek pléios (many) and spìlos (spots).Place of Origin: South Africa and some species in Namibia.
Portulacaria (Ecklon & Zeyher, 1837) Succulent, shrubby, or small arborescent perennial plants with fleshy stems and leaves. They bear small, hermaphroditic flowers with five free petals and sepals, arranged in inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule containing tiny seeds. Some species are highly valued for ornamental use, in bonsai, and in xerophilic landscaping, as well as for their drought tolerance.
Psammophora (Dinter & Schwantes1926.) La característica más distinguible es su capacidad de atrapar arena sobre la superficie de sus hojas mediante papilas glandulares. Esta adaptación le sirve de camuflaje y de protección contra el sol. Suele formar grupos bajos de rosetas que producen flores tipo margarita de tonos rosados. Está fuertemente adaptada a climas de aridez extrema. Etymology: Del griego psámmos (arena) phóros (Portador) que lleva arena. Place of Origin: Namibia y Sudáfrica.
Rebutia (K.Schum. 1895) Small globular-shaped plants with highly varied appearances. They produce abundant blooms and are generally very easy to cultivate. A highly suitable choice for beginners or those who appreciate a rewarding plant. Etymology: In honor of Pierre Rebut, a 19th-century cactus scholar and merchant.Place of Origin: Bolivia and Argentina
Sedum (L.1753) Succulent plants distinguished by their fleshy leaves and ability to adapt to extreme environments such as bare rock with complete absence of soil. Highly drought-resistant with remarkable regeneration capacity from even the smallest remnants. Their species can be herbaceous, creeping, or form small shrubs with fragile stems. They produce inflorescences with light-colored star-shaped flowers. They typically form small, carpeting colonies. Etymology: From the Latin “sēdō, sēdere”, to be seated.Place of Origin: Almost the entire Northern Hemisphere: Europe, Asia, North Africa, and Central and North America. Mainly in rocky areas.
Selenicereus ((A.Berger)Britton & Rose 1909) Climbing or creeping cacti that typically live in the shade of trees, attaching themselves to them via small aerial roots. Valued for their large and spectacular nocturnal blooms, they are easy to cultivate. Etymology: From the Greek Selene (The Moon) and the Latin term Cereus meaning waxy, from which the term Candle derives.Place of Origin: Central America, Caribbean, and northern South America.
Senecio (L. 1753) Etymology: From the Latin senex, meaning old, alluding to the white or grayish tone in many species.
Smicrostigma (N.E.Br. 1930) Fleshy, cylindrical or pencil-shaped leaves form compact clusters. Adapted to arid and rocky areas, these plants store water and blend remarkably with the terrain. The flowers are solitary, yellowish in color, and bloom in spring. Etymology: From the Greek smikros, meaning small, and stigma, meaning points, in reference to its small flowers.Place of Origin: South Africa, Cape provinces.
Umbilicus (DC. 1801) It is characterized by its fleshy, rounded leaves with a central depression resembling a navel. These leaves are arranged in basal rosettes capable of storing water, allowing the plant to withstand dry periods in rocky habitats. It features slender flowering stems with hanging inflorescences of small flowers. It grows in crevices, walls, and damp cliffs. During summer, it may reduce to a tuberous root hidden within the rock. It possesses a remarkable ability to colonize constructions and vertical surfaces. Etymology: Umbilicate due to the shape of its leaves.Place of Origin: Mediterranean region and Western Asia.