Barrel Cactus with Sunlight

As you can see in the photo, the sun at the end of the day filtering through the cactus spines creates a golden glow above the green flesh and ribs of the cactus.  The shapes and sizes are pleasing to the eye.  

Golden barrel cactus are one of my favorite types of cacti.  I continue to plant many in my own yard, and currently have 20 of them.

Barrel cactus actually do better with some filtering or shade from the sun. When walking through the desert, you will often find them growing under trees or bushes.  Cacti have a very shallow root system so they are easy to dig up and replant.  

Because it is easy to dig up their shallow roots, we have a problem with poachers or cactus rustlers, who steal cacti from our desert and people's yards, usually to sell and plant the cactus in someone's yard.  People have woken up in the morning to sadly discover that some of their beloved cactus in their front yards have been stolen.