Aruba is an island where the cacti far out number the palms; it is dry, arid, and has no rivers. There is little rainfall and few sources of fresh water. The process of producing potable water by thermal desalination began in 1932; now it is done by reverse osmosis to supply a much larger population and a thriving tourist industry.
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Cereus repandus - The hedge cactus is endemic to several islands of the Caribbean. Seedlings of the hedge cactus rely heavily on nurse plants. These are usually mature trees with established canopies acting as host by providing micro-habitats for smaller non-competitive plants. The shade, ground moisture, and rich soil support the germination of seeds rooting near the base of the host. The new arrival reciprocates by providing additional moisture, nutrients from litter, and as a cactus, limits potential grazers from getting too close..
