Orange flowers appear on several types of cactii. In the photo, you can see and almost feel the waxy quality of the blossoms. From what I can tell (not the most sensitive nose here despite its size!), these don't have an obvious fragrance-- unless you are an insect. The ones that bloom fragrant enough to fill a desert draw will not appear until we have left the desert. They bloom at night and attract bats to spread their pollen.
When I am out on the desert, looking for each perfect blossom, it's one of the more relaxing experiences I have. Being able to photograph them and share them here adds to that enjoyment.
I suppose the desert is one of those things you either love or hate and I have been in the love category since 1965 when I first set foot on it. Back then it was late summer, and the cactus weren't in bloom. It was a strange and somewhat alien world to a girl who had grown up in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, but it spoke to my heart and still does.
2 comments:
Beautiful photos, as usual, Rain. I am especially awed by your photo of the Cholla blossom. People may not know that this is a very small flower and difficult to photograph.
Happy Easter to you an Paul.
A lovely look at those desert blooms, rain. Quite beautiful.
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