Succulents are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word succulent comes from the Latin word sucus, meaning "juice" or "sap". Succulents are characterized by their ability to thrive on limited water sources, such as mist and dew, which makes them equipped to survive in an ecosystem that contains scarce water sources. They are often grown as ornamental plants because of their striking and unusual appearance and are great for beginners as they have the ability to thrive with relatively minimal care.