What is a Succulent

CAM is usually regarded as a typical feature of succulents because of its occurrence in many succulent species. However, two questions must be asked  

To answer these two questions, the term succulence requires careful consideration. 

There is no doubt that the storage of water by succulents represents an ecological adaptation, because succulents are xerophytes which occupy habitats where either precipitation occurs only periodically or soil water is generally not available (e.g., epiphytes) and periods of water deficiency are overcome with endogenous water reserves (see Chap. 6). 

In succulents, all basic organs of the plant can function as water reservoirs. Thus, leaf succulents, stem succulents, and very rarely root succulents can be distinguished. CAM plants are only known as members of the leaf and stem succulents. 

---