I’m always on the lookout for new plants to add to my garden, and I’ve been interested in exploring the world of CAM plants.
But what are CAM plants, exactly? And where can you find them? I did a little research and found some great CAM plants examples that you can grow in your garden.
Also, I’ll tell you what makes them so special. Stay tuned – we’ll have you ready to ace your next botany quiz in no time!
What Are Cam Plants?
CAM plants are a type of plant that utilizes a mechanism called CAM photosynthesis.
CAM stands for Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, and it allows the plant to open its stomata at night instead of during the day. This helps the plant to conserve water by reducing evapotranspiration.
These plants are found in arid and semi-arid climates, and they make up a significant portion of the world’s desert vegetation.
Common CAM plants include cacti and certain types of succulents. While these plants are adapted to dry conditions, they can also be found in wetter habitats such as rainforests.
In fact, some CAM plants are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants instead of in soil. Epiphytic plants typically have smaller leaves than their terrestrial counterparts. CAM photosynthesis is just one of the many adaptations that allow plants to thrive in different environments.
10 Popular CAM Plants That You Should Know About
Aloe Vera
Scientific Name: Aloe vera
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. vera
It’s a CAM plant and employs Crassulacean Acid Metabolism as its major photosynthetic pathway. The gel from the Aloe vera plant can be used to treat burns, wounds, rashes, and insect bites.
The gel is also used in cosmetics and as a laxative. The latex from the plant is used as a purgative. Aloe vera is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy. You’ll need to water this aloe vera plant every 2-3 weeks.
Cactus
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Cactuses are one of the most distinctive and recognizable types of plant life on the planet. These desert dwellers have adapted to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, and as a result, they have become a staple of both gardens and pop culture.
Their spiky forms make them a popular choice for both landscaping and decoration. In addition to their visual appeal, cactuses are also known for their low maintenance requirements.
Sedum
Scientific Name: Sedum acre
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Sedum is a type of CAM plant that have the ability to close its stomata during the day to prevent water loss and then open them at night to take in carbon dioxide. This process allows them to survive in desert conditions where there is little water available.
Sedum is also known as stonecrop, and many species are grown as ornamental plants. They need little water, making them ideal for use in rock gardens or xeriscaping.
In addition to their water-saving properties, sedum also helps to protect against soil erosion. Their deep roots help to hold the soil in place, and their dense foliage can help to deflect wind and water.
Kalanchoe
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a genus of succulent plants that includes more than 125 species. The most popular species, Kalanchoe beharensis, is native to Madagascar and is known for its furry leaves. Kalanchoe can thrive indoors or outdoors with minimal maintenance.
These plants are known for their bright flowers, which bloom in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, and yellow. Kalanchoe plants prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil, and they should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Snake Plant
Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dracaena
Species: D. trifasciata
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in just about any condition, the snake plant (or sansevieria) is a great option. Although it’s often seen as a decoration for offices and homes, the snake plant is actually quite rugged and can survive in a wide range of environments.
It’s native to Africa, where it grows in sandy or rocky soil. The snake plant is also tolerant of drought and can even thrive in low-light conditions due to being a CAM plant.
Pineapple
Scientific Name:: Ananas comosus
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Ananas
Species: A. comosus
Pineapple is a classic CAM plant. During the day, pineapple plants close their stomata to stop losing water due to evaporation. Then, at night, they open their stomata to allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaves for photosynthesis.
This Crassulacean Acid Metabolism process helps pineapple plants to conserve water, which is especially important in hot, dry climates. In addition to being more drought-tolerant, CAM plants are also better able to tolerate high levels of light and heat. This makes them well-suited to tropical environments like the one where pineapple originates.
With its delicious fruit and unique growth pattern, it’s no wonder that pineapple is such a popular plant.
Opuntia
Scientific Name: Opuntia littoralis
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Opuntieae
Genus: Opuntia
Opuntia, also known as prickly pear cactus, is a type of cactus that is native to the Americas. The plant has long, flat pads that are covered in sharp spines. The flowers are usually yellow or red, and the fruits are edible and often used in juicing or as an ingredient in a jam.
Opuntia grows in a variety of climates, but it is particularly well-suited to desert regions. Opuntia is used for erosion control and as livestock feed.
Orchids
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Orchis
Orchids are a fascinating type of CAM plant. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be found all over the world.
Unlike many other plants, Orchids do not need a lot of care to thrive. They can even grow in places where other plants would not be able to survive, such as in the rainforest canopy or on the side of a cliff.
They also have a very long lifespan, and some species can live for over 100 years. In recent years, the popularity of Orchids has exploded, and they are now available everywhere for purchase.
Jade Plant
Scientific Name: Crassula ovata
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Species: C. ovata
Native to South Africa, the jade plant thrives in warm, dry conditions and can reach up to six feet tall. The CAM plant gets its name from its glossy green leaves, which are smooth and oval-shaped.
Jade plants are typically propagated through stem cuttings, and they can live for many years with proper care. Although the jade plant is not known to be poisonous, it can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Calendula
Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
Classifications:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Calenduleae
Genus: Calendula
It is a plant in the daisy family that has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Commonly known as pot marigold, the calendula flower is native to Asia and Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it is now a common sight in gardens.
Calendula has a long history of use in herbal medicine, dating back to at least the 12th century. The Latin name for calendula, Calendula officinalis, means “official” or “of the pharmacists”, indicating its long-standing reputation as a healing herb.
In traditional Chinese medicine, calendula is considered a yin tonic herb, which means it is thought to be cooling and helpful for clearing heat from the body.
CAM therapies include acupuncture, homeopathy, meditation, and massage therapy, among others.