No, cucumbers are not part of the cactus family.
Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which is also known as the gourd family. This family includes other familiar vegetables like pumpkins, squash, and watermelons. Cacti, on the other hand, belong to the Cactaceae family.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Cucumber (Cucurbitaceae) | Cactus (Cactaceae) |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | Cactaceae |
| Growth Habit | Creeping vine | Varied: tree-like, columnar, etc. |
| Leaves | Large, broad leaves | Often absent or modified into spines |
| Stem | Soft, herbaceous | Fleshy, succulent |
| Fruit | Typically elongated with seeds | Berry-like, often with spines |
| Habitat | Temperate and tropical regions | Arid and semi-arid regions |
Therefore, due to their distinct botanical characteristics and family classifications, cucumbers and cacti are not related.
