Tuesday, February 10, 2009

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.

11 comments:

Olivier said...

"Le monde entier est un cactus
Il est impossible de s'asseoir
Dans la vie, Y a des cactus
Moi j'm'pique de le savoir

Aïe! Aïe! Aïe! Ouille! Aïe! Aïe! Aïe" Jacues Dutronc

"The world is a cactus.
It is impossible to sit.
In life, there are cactus.
Me, I prick myself to know it

Aïe! Aïe! Aïe! OW! Aïe! Aïe! Aïe!" Jacques Dutronc

crocrodyl said...

Nice, your today's photo is very similar to Montpellier Daily Photo's one:)

brattcat said...

I'm really enjoying this cactus series. Thanks for filing my blog in your favorites list.

Sharon said...

Don't you just love the way these cactus seem to glow in the sunlight?

Nancy said...

I posted a cactus from Provence on my garden blog today...

Love Oliver's post - merci!

Judy said...

Stealing a cactus is a sticky business I would think.

Unknown said...

These are gorgeous! I only have one of this kind...

Anonymous said...

How bizzare, stealing cacti.

Anonymous said...

Normally I wouldn't give cactus a second look. Your photographs bring out their most fascinating features.

slim said...

Fantastic series - - both photos and information. I loved the previous close-up. When do these prickly puppies bloom?

Sarah said...

Lovely photo!
Thank you for your visit from my blog and nice to find your photo blog ;)

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