Stonesriver/Linda..."all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti", as an old text book said. ;-) That's a true-ism, but in this example we're talking about plants that are really and truly cacti which have simply evolved in hugely different environments. There are true cacti (in the Cactaceae family) that are native to (mostly)South and Central American rain forest areas; many of these plants are epiphytic (tree dwelling) or lithophytic (rock dwelling) in nature. Though these much loved plants seem so different than those cacti that are native to very arid climates, they still have enough similarities that they all belong to the same plant family. Probably the most striking similarity between the 'jungle cacti' and the 'desert cacti' is that after millions of years of evolution, they have both discarded their leaves. All cacti (with very few exceptions) have their stomata on their stem tissue. The genera that have evolved in areas of extremely low rainfall have modified leaves called spines, a successful evolutionary feature well designed to keep thirsty animals away. The tropical cacti don't have such protective devices, but live high in rain forest trees or along cliff faces that make them inaccessible to any animals that might want to munch on them. The moral of this story is that Lamora's Easter cacti are not only succulents but true cacti, as well. (Not that it matters a whole lot, but I think it's interesting!)

How wonderful for you, Keesha! I love it when my family actually puts some thought into a gift and I receive something from them that I'll truly love and cherish. I know you probably do to. Happy Mother's Day, my friend! Be sure to post a picture when you get it planted! MeMo

I am going to buy one of these and would like to know how it has done for you since your posting on June 5. Did it bloom a long time and did the blooms change colors as stated in the Monrovia write-up? Also were the blooms as full and large as shown on the Monrovia page? Also anyone else out there have one of these yet and how is it doing?????? THANKS!

LOL!!! Looks like my son!!! I dont think a single cherry tomato ended up in my house all summer. I think he was going to turn into a tomato he ate so many LOL!!!!!! Happy mothers day!!! -Cassie