The trip to Huntington Garden

I really learned a lot about plants in the trip to Huntington Garden. The first part of the trip we visited the desert area. Cacti are probably the best adapted plant in the desert because it appears the most often in the desert area. In the desert area, I notice many different kinds of cactus with different size, colors, and different shapes of spines. However, these different kinds of cactus all shared one common trait, they all have spines. Before, never knew what the spines are for and what the advantages of having it. But after the trip, I learned that the cactus have spines for several main purposes. The spines are for defending against herbivores, help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade. The spines will send out a signal of “stay away from me”, therefore, the animal will not come near and harm the cactus. I also learned that the growth rings of the trees can tell how old the tree is. My favorite part of the trip is the walk to the Japanese and Chinese houses. I really like the views and the how the houses reflect their culture and living style. 

Huntington Garden