A Bud In The Thorns
by Robert Bales
Title
A Bud In The Thorns
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
Spring in the desert sure bring out many different types of cactus blooming.
Most prickly pear cactus have yellow, red or purple flowers, even among the same species.
Prickly pear cactus represent about a dozen species of the Opuntia genus (Family Cactaceae) in the North American deserts. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions -- water storage, photosynthesis and flower production. Chollas are also members of the Opuntia genus but have cylindrical, jointed stems rather than flat pads.
Like other cactus, most prickly pears and chollas have large spines -- actually modified leaves -- growing from tubercles -- small, wart-like projections -- on their stems. But members of the Opuntia genus are unique because of their clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called glochids. Found just above the cluster of regular spines, glochids are yellow or red in color and detach easily from the pads. Glochids are often difficult to see and more difficult to remove, once lodged in the skin.
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Uploaded
March 28th, 2017
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Viewed 782 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/16/2024 at 5:42 AM
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Comments (10)
Pamela Williams
This fabulous piece of art that has been featured on the Art District home page. Congrats for this awesome accomplishment! Please archive your work in the groups "Feature Archives & Thank You Thread"...Pamela
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Pamela for the feature, congrats, and the invite !! It is greatly appreciated!!!
Michael Mirijan
This wonderful picture is featured on the homepage of the "Pictures for Present" group.
Iris Gelbart
Thank you...... I learn so many things about the desert from your pictures.... by the way, you have finished this lovely flower beautifully..
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment on the bud and so glad you enjoy the information!!