› added 1 month ago

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TIL that Gymnocalycium cacti have an incredible survival strategy for enduring long droughts in their native South American grasslands and rocky areas: they can shrink and bury themselves partially into the soil, reducing exposure to the harsh environment until rain returns

Read more hscactus.org

via reddit.com

j6oxR TIL India became the world most populous country from around April/May 2023
wLG8E TIL that a sailor, Gonzalo Guerrero, shipwrecked in the Yucatan years before Cortez began his conquest of Mexico. He eventually became a respected warrior among the Mayans and even led military campaigns. On his suggestion, native tribes ambushed and crushed Spains first expedition into Mexico.
yV7Gl TIL in 1876, Texas set aside vast tracts of land for the state university system. At the time the land was considered to be worthless but was later found to contain oil. As of 2015 the fund is worth $17 billion.
lo8A5 TIL Goldilocks was originally an old woman and the three bears were originally all bachelors living together instead of a family.
7opp TIL in 1999, James Saville was arrested and charged with plotting to kill Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio with a pipe bomb. Saville was acquitted four years later when it was discovered that Arpaio’s detectives had purchased the bomb parts themselves and framed Saville in a publicity stunt.