Monday, May 19, 2014

Blooms & Spines


Unless one visits a greenhouse or someone with a lot of indoor plants, cacti aren't common in Iowa.  But, on a recent trip to an indoor growing facility, I spotted all sorts of cacti with blooms -- what a treat!  And, after reading about these spiny wonders, I now understand that cacti are considered flowering plants capable of blooming when mature; however, whether or not a cactus actually flowers depends on its age and growing conditions.  For example, the tall, columnar Saguaro cactus (found in the Desert Southwest) may first flower after 40-55 years of growth.  

Enjoy a close-up view but be careful when you touch!


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