Biology
Despite the scientific interest that the Galápagos Islands have received ever since Darwin visited in 1835, and the numerous observations of the lava cactus, the biology of this plant remains poorly known.
Like all cacti, this succulent plant is capable of storing moisture in its stems when water is available, enabling it to survive periods of drought, and the spines, which are actually the leaves of the cactus, provide defense against any plant-eating animals. The lava cactus flowers very briefly, with its cream-coloured blooms opening just before dawn, and usually shrivelling by seven or eight o’clock in the morning.
Read more about this topic: Lava Cactus
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