|
The glaucous stem of Acanthocalycium glaucum |
From the
Greek word “Glaucos
(γλαυκοζ )” meaning "bright,
gleaming; greyish, bluish-green”
Many succulents, in
deserts have grey or bluish
photosynthetic
organs
covered by a loose surface wax, called
Epicuticular wax or pruina),
which is very reflective. When a leaf appears bluish or grey (glaucous),
rather than bright green, epicuticular wax is generally the cause. This
can be confirmed by rubbing off the waxy coating from the surface to
reveal the green leaf colour beneath.
(Examples:
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Myrtillocactus
geometrizans,
Echeveria lauii spp..) |
