Cacti: notes on their uses and potential for climate change mitigation

Abstract

The present review attempts to collate information on various uses of cacti and reflect on their potential to be considered as a possible commercial crop in the era of global climate change. The immense values of cacti has been discussed in view of their aesthetic, nutritional, nutraceutical and industrial uses. Cacti have the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change due to their unique morphological and physiological adaptation mechanisms. Vulnerability and conservation status of different cactus species along with the possible impact of climate change on the diversity of cacti have been discussed. The research and development areas where scarce information is available, are highlighted, so that immediate research and development efforts could be initiated for proper utilization of this important group of plants.