Cactaceae
5-Areoles of Cactaceae
![[FMP-field: image]](../picts/Cactaceae/05-Areole.jpg)
| Areoles are small structures on the photosynthetic stems of cacti; often, spines are produced at the areole. The areole is usually interpreted as a rudimentary shoot, and the spines are reduced leaves borne on this shoot. Areoles can also contain numerous bristles, called glochids, at the bases of the spines. |