These little dime-sized cactus in the photo are on the endangered species list.
They are called Brady's pincushion cactus (pediocactus bradyi). Common names also include Brady's hedgehog cactus and Marble Canyon cactus.
They only live at Marble Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs on windswept land.
These little cactus survive by the small rocks that provide cover and shade from the sunlight. The rocks also protect the cactus when people walk over and on them.
People unfortunately move the rocks to take photos or look at the cactus and then cause the cactus to get crushed or get sunburned and die.
13 comments:
They are beautiful, in some way could be delicate but I think they are really strong to survive in this place, among the stones!
They are so different, it's all new for me! Thanks for sharing!
Léia
I didn't see any of these at the desert botanical garden plant sale last weekend.
I saw these once in an arboretum. They look like tiny miracles, don't they?
Better not walk barefoot! :-)
Normally cacti survive in part because people leave them alone to avoid getting stuck. These tiny cacti evidently lack that defense mechanism because they are so small the most likely encounter is that people might inadvertently step on them.
These are so sweet. I'll have to keep a look out for them next year in that area.
What a great find. I would feel terrible if I stepped one one.
I wonder how people in the know can successfully educate those who don't know. We humans can be so careless!
They are so tiny and delicate!
These would be very difficult to see on a walk through the rocky desert. it would be a shame if they didn't survive.
These cacti existed for zillions of years. Then man came along.
It really is too bad that the common denominator to so many endangered plants and animals is the human. What a cute little cactus.
Rare Gift to be able to see such things - thank you for sharing.
A wonderful Friday for you all !
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