A cactus is a type of succulent, but not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are a specific group of succulents that have areoles (small, round, cushion-like structures that produce spines, flowers, and branches). Cacti are native to the Americas, while succulents can be found all over the world. Examples of cacti are saguaro, barrel cactus, prickly pear, and Christmas cactus. Examples of succulents that are not cacti are aloe vera, jade plant, echeveria, and crassula.
