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Posts tagged ‘bloom’

Sep 10

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Field of Devils

Last year, one of the hard working Preserve maintenance volunteers spotted an area with a large population of Devil’s Claw and told us about it (thanks Joni!) so as part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Flora Survey, we documented it this summer. I didn’t get as many photos as I planned but I did get a shot of the pretty pink bloom and also of the very cool seed pods (captured yesterday). You aren’t likely to see this plant while hiking as they are typically in wide washes which are usually off limits to hikers. Seeing unique plants like this is a great reason to join the flora survey! The survey starts up again in a couple of weeks. If you’re interested, contact Melanie at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Phone number: 480-998-7971.

May 26

The Morning After

I was really looking forward to seeing this Echinopsis full of red blooms but it was not to be. Steve (flora expert friend) had told me that Javelina weren’t the only ones who love to eat flowers and buds and I got first hand proof last week. The fence keeps the Javelina out but Pack Rats and Mice can get through easily. I’m disappointed but at least they left me one bloom 🙂

May 19

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Echinopsis Hybrid

Yesterday morning, I could hardly wait to check on my hybrid Echninopsis (aka Torch Cactus) and it did not disappoint! The color of this cactus is really incredible and an overcast morning made it really pop. There are more buds so I get to enjoy another round of blooms in a few days. Almost makes up for no wildflowers…..almost 🙂

May 2

Green Flowers

Teddybear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) are described as having green flowers but when fully open, the color is mostly cream. This particular cactus is in my yard and is loaded with dozens of blooms at the moment. Canon 24-70mm at f/5.

Apr 21

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Torch

Two blooms opened yesterday on my Torch cactus. An apropos common name for this gorgeous cactus. More blooms to come, I hope!

Apr 4

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Candelilla

Scouting my yard for a photo of the day, I noticed my Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) is finally starting to bloom. Yea! I was worried it wouldn’t bloom this year but several stalks are filled with blooms right now. The flowers are so small most people don’t even notice them when they pass the plant. To reveal its complexities, I used a Canon 100mm Macro lens. Who knew! CLICK HERE to read about this plant’s interesting properties.