The cactus doesn't attract one bit of attention... until it blooms. Google "night blooming cereus," and you'll find a community of ardent admirers of the plant, some utterly magnificent photographs, and reams and reams of print.
We're fortunate to see them in the wild here in Tucson. This one bloomed along a riding trail in Catalina State Park, just north of Tucson, AZ, in the shadow of Pusch Ridge.
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What a cool juxtraposition Mike ~ love it!
Mike,
It reminds us you some times have to look for beauty. Some peopleplants bbloom at different times,
Bill
Most of the time you would walk right past and not notice it. Never to imagine the beautiful flowers it produces.
Mike, I really think that cacti have some of the most beautiful blooms. Neat photo...
Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN
Mike- what a great cactus. It looks so interesting. Not like cactus I have seen in the past.
This reminds me of driving along the northern areas of Montana where almost nothing grows "above the tree line" except some of the most exquisite wild flowers.
This is a very unique cacti my friend. I for one may have never given it a second glance if I saw it without the flowers, now I will pay closer attention.
Don,
The indians used the root as a food source.
Lenn,
A different kind of "desert."
Kim,
Most of the year, it looks much like a dried stick.
Michael,
Yes, they do. The root is tuberous, like a turnip, and usually weighs five to fifteen pounds, although specimens have been found with a tuber weighing over 100 lbs.
Terry,
That's true. Even as the plant gets larger (it can reach a sprawling length of up to eight feet) the woody stems remain about 1/2 inch in diameter. It is the root (tuber) that continues to enlarge.
Bill,
Some of us are that way, aren't we? :)
Liz,
Thanks for being the first to comment. For shopping, check out this link.
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
Praise be the Programmer who causes those things to bloom...!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Beauty among the dry brush, nice photo to share; it sheds the hope of new life in areas that look like life has left.
I love those night bloomers! ;-)
I didn't know that cactus plants bloomed at night. I recently bought some moon lillies which I'm told also bloom at night. Very interesting..
GOOD MORNING MIKE! Gosh -- I saw this yesterday and it took me a couple days of coffee to finally get the title! I got a good laugh this morning. Cereus - ly! -- Gab
Gabrielle,
You are cereus-ly funny! Thanks for making me smile.
Lola,
My 10 year old granddaughter looked at your comment, and exclaimed "Michelle Obama reads your blog!" Thanks for making her day!
Susie,
I'll bet you do. :)
Caron,
I appreciate what you have to say; thanks for stopping by.
Fran,
Yes, there's a lot to give praise for, isn't there?
Mike in Tucson
Gorgeous photo and sentiment, Mike. It wasn't until I moved away that I learned to really appreciate the beauty and mystery of the desert. Sometimes I miss it terribly, and I'm very excited for a quick visit next week.
Thanks so much for stopping by my site last week. I'd love to connect with your family in Michigan sometime! If you send me an email address, I can send an announcement of upcoming fall workshkops.