what are the parts of this mentioned plant?
areoles
Cactus
Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch
why are leaves modified into spines in the cactus plant It help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade
wiki:1537835
Cactus [SEP] Introduction
Cactus spines are produced from specialized structures called areoles, a kind of highly reduced branch. Areoles are an identifying feature of cacti. As well as spines, areoles give rise to flowers, which are usually tubular and multipetaled. Many cacti have short growing seasons and long dormancies, and are able to react quickly to any rainfall, helped by an extensive but relatively shallow root system that quickly absorbs any water reaching the ground surface. Cactus stems are often ribbed or fluted, which allows them to expand and contract easily for quick water absorption after rain, followed by long drought periods. Like other succulent plants, most cacti employ a special mechanism called "crassulacean acid metabolism" (CAM) as part of photosynthesis.