KARACHI, Aug 9: The Cactus and Succulent Society of Pakistan, in collaboration with the city district government, is holding the first exhibition of cacti and succulents at the Gulshan-i-Jinnah (old Polo Ground) from Aug 12-14.

Cacti from 23 classes and succulents from eight groups from all over the country will be on display at the exhibition.

A panel of judges will determine the condition, health, appearance, size, maturity, evidence of flowering, freedom from pests and eccentricities of the plants.

Winners will receive prizes according to the group to which they belong. Most of the participants are hobbyist’s, while some are professionals and a few are amateurs.

Cacti to be exhibited include astrophytum, cereus, coryphanpha, disco cactus, echyno cactus, goimnocalycium and mammalaria.

The succulents on display will include pompus agage, aloe (famous for improving complexion), crassula and euphorbia.

The exhibition will be inaugurated by city Nazim Naimatullah Khan. Public entry will be allowed after 7 pm on Aug 12 and from 11 am to 10 pm on all the rest of the days.

Cacti, otherwise known as the monks of the desert, are famous for leading a frugal life, conserving moisture in drought and producing lovely flowers.—APP