2011
04.12
04.12
Barrel Cactus in bloom, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
Spring in the desert is a land of contrasts. Normally barren fields and rocky hillsides, washed clean from winter rains, take on a new dimension as wildflowers begin to dot the landscape and succulents explode in a kaleidoscope of color. Here a spiny barrel cactus displays its delicate flowers on Yaqui Pass in Anza-Borrego State Park. Though the vibrant show attracts wildlife and photographers alike, the sharp needle-like spines are a constant reminder to look but don’t touch.
Nice shot Russ. Reminds me of the cholla cactus as well. Always seem to get stuck on you and you don’t even know how they get on you.
Thanks for the comment Richard. Yeah, my first encounter with a cholla was not a pleasant one!
Richard beat me to it, first thing I thought of was the cholla. Very nice shot.
Thanks Younes! I always carry a pair of pliers in the car for those babies (but try to avoid them as much as possible). They do seem to almost jump at times.
Great image Russ! I agree that cacti are really interesting; they have such specialized defense against predators, but their method of reproduction is even more specialized, drawing in only specific pollinators with their flowers. Very cool.
Thanks for commenting Greg! Their symmetry and patterns are really amazing. Funny you mention predators as I watched a bighorn ram bash the spines of one of these with his horns to get to the fruit.
beautiful! Cactus blossoms are definitely one of my favorite blooms.
Some of mine are here…
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.355596904461088.81088.125766317444149&type=3
I tripped into a barrel and a spiney barb broke off in my shoe… I thought sure I would be bleeding, but no, not as bad as I thought once I removed it.
Thanks Deborah! The barrels aren’t quite as bad a cholla with their spines, but still best to keep your distance! You have some wonderful images as well.