サボテン

サボテン refers to cactus plants, popular as low-maintenance houseplants in Japan.

Etymology

From Portuguese "sabão" (soap), as the sap was once used like soap. Sometimes written with kanji 仙人掌(さぼてん).

Characteristics

• 刺(とげ): spines
• 多肉植物(たにくしょくぶつ): succulent plant
• Requires infrequent watering

Common expressions

• サボテンを育(そだ)てる: to grow a cactus
• サボテンの花(はな): cactus flower
• ミニサボテン: mini cactus

Cultural note

Small cacti are popular gifts and desk decorations in Japan due to their easy care.