A small distinct area or space, particularly a raised or specialized region on a cactus or other plant.
From French 'aréole', derived from Latin 'areola'. In botany, it specifically refers to the cushion-like spots on cacti where spines grow.
Cactus areoles are fascinating—they're tiny modified branches where spines, flowers, and new growth emerge, and each species has its own distinctive areole pattern.
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