{"product_id":"epithelantha-micromeris","title":"Epithelantha micromeris","description":"\u003cp\u003eEpithelantha micromeris is a miniature globose cactus native to high-altitude regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. This cactus owes its most striking feature, a dense shroud of tiny white spines, to its highly exposed habitat. Thriving in crevices of calcareous stone 500 to 1800 m above sea level, this cactus experiences high levels of shortwave (UV) irradiance during the day and frigid nights. Even though most people associate cacti with punishing desert sun, excessive light can quickly burn plant tissue. A common adaptation among cacti in high-light environments is a layer of trichomes or dense spines, which block the lion's share of light. While it sounds ridiculous to stop light from reaching photosynthetic tissue, it makes sense when you remember that photosynthesis is a water-intensive process. When water is sparse, slowing down photosynthesis is a clever adaptation. Perhaps it is this daily irradiance, along with the dry air and sparse rainfall of the region, that molded this cactus into the densely white, low-profile button we see today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52136545845528,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Epithelantha_micromeris.png?v=1780531445","url":"https:\/\/rareplantcatalog.com\/products\/epithelantha-micromeris","provider":"Rare Plant Catalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}