Cacti have a thick, hard-walled, succulent stem – when it rains, water is stored in the stem. ... Instead of leaves, most cacti have spines or scales (which are modified leaves). These spines and scales do not lose water through evaporation (unlike regular leaves, which lose a lot of water).

Does cactus have leaf?

Most cacti are lacking traditional leaves because they evolved and grow in a hot, dry environment. Their adaptation is one of survival by storing water as long as possible when it is available. ... Cacti have adapted by being leafless and growing spines but not thorns.

What are the leaves of a cactus called?

People typically do not realize that these cactus leaves are true leaves but they are indeed. They are usually called “scales” or “bracts” but that does not matter: they are leaves.