Their function seems to be aiding structural integrity and enzymatic processes. Calcium oxalates often occur as crystalline minerals within the cactus pulp. “Its chief function seems to be sequestering metals, principally calcium. Also cooking generally destroys the acid.īesides malic acid, succulents produce Oxalic Acid (C2H2O4), which is toxic, as another product of photosynthesis. Many plants contain malic acid, but usually in lesser quantities than found in cacti. CAM plants use about one-tenth the water to produce each unit of carbohydrate compared to standard photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is gradually released from the acid during the next day. Because there is no sunlight to act as a catalyst, carbon dioxide is stored as an organic acid, principally Malic Acid (C4H6O5). CAM plants open their stomates only at night when it is cooler so there is less water loss. So, succulents use a modified version of photosynthesis called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism). But in the desert, plants with pores open during the hot days, lose much water through evapotranspiration. Most plants have their pores open during the day to take in carbon dioxide, and use sunlight as a catalyst for the reaction: Carbon dioxide + water becomes sugar + oxygen. The moisture is acidic because of the way many succulents, including cacti, carry on photosynthesis, the process by which carbon dioxide and water are turned into carbohydrates. Why is the water in a cactus not generally potable? Moisture within the pulp of a cactus is very acidic and many cacti contain toxic alkaloids. The Seri called the Coville barrel (Ferocactus emoryi), “barrel that kills” because eating the flesh of the cactus causes nausea, diarrhea, and temporary paralysis. Some Seri report pain in their bones if they walk a long distance after drinking the juice. However, drinking the juice on an empty stomach often caused diarrhea and that will further dehydrate you. The Seri Indians sometimes used the Fishhook barrel (Ferocactus wislizeni) for emergency water. You can get some moisture from cactus fruit and all cactus fruit is edible, though all do not taste good. That’s what happens if you drink water stored in a cactus.
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