Cactus Habitat: Florida Keys

Jennifer Galas

Humid coastal areas with palm trees and seagrape may not be a stereotypical cactus habitat, but forest and epiphytic cacti grow well here.

Florida Keys

Southern Florida

Although it's certainly not a desert, Florida provides some excellent habitat for cactus. Sandy coastal areas host several species of Opuntia (prickly pear) while hardwood forests provide conditions perfect for forest-dwelling cacti. The atmosphere may be humid, but most cacti cannot absorb moisture through their skin. Forest-dwelling cacti typically grow epiphytically, hanging from trees and other plants for support. Without terrestrial roots, they must obtain water and nutrients from the small amount of rainfall and decaying vegetation that collects in the crevices in which they grow—areas that are prone to continual cycles of moisture and dryness. Their succulent stems help them survive the dry periods.

Florida cactus populations are threatened by storm surges and high winds during hurricanes, rising sea levels, poaching of rare species, and the destructive nonnative cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum.

<i>Acanthocereus tetragonus</i>: This tropical cactus forms thickets in coastal hammocks. Large white blooms open at night to attract hummingbird moths for pollination.

Acanthocereus tetragonus

This tropical cactus forms thickets in coastal hammocks. Large white blooms open at night to attract hummingbird moths for pollination.

<i>Hylocereus undatus</i> (dragonfruit): Unlike the solitary giants of the west, tropical cacti often form thick brambles. This South American native is considered invasive in Florida.

Hylocereus undatus (dragonfruit)

Unlike the solitary giants of the west, tropical cacti often form thick brambles. This South American native is considered invasive in Florida.

Endemic to the southeastern US and Florida, <i>Opuntia stricta</i> grows in sandy coastal environments.

Opuntia stricta

Endemic to the southeastern US and Florida, Opuntia stricta grows in sandy coastal environments.

<i>Pilosocereus robinii</i>, Florida Keys endemic: This rare, endangered cactus is flagged here as part of a conservation study.

Pilosocereus robinii, Florida Keys endemic

This rare, endangered cactus is flagged here as part of a conservation study.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park: A tropical hardwood hammock atop a fossilized coral reef provides an unusual cactus habitat.

 All images © Jennifer Galas

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