Comparative Analysis of Load Adaptation Strategies in Columnar Cacti and Hardwood Trees

“Cacti are different.” This sentence holds true for many aspects of the functional morphology and anatomy of cacti in comparison to other perennial plants. The biomechanical adaptations, especially of tree-like columnar cacti, seem to be unique. The scope of this small review is to elucidate some of their specific load adaptation strategies and how they deviate from — or are similar to — typical hardwood trees.