The Cactaceae family includes 1500-2000 species. These plants come from the American continent. They are well-adjusted to extremely difficult conditions, they cope with the lack of water relatively well and for that reason they have developed various forms in the semi-desert and mountainous areas. However, they can be found also in rainforests. Characteristic features that distinguish them from other plants are areolas, i.e. prickly parts that are a residual form of leaves.
