I am standing in front of a Giant Saguaro cactus. Because it just rained it is plumper than normal. This is a plant with a very shallow root base. It collects as much desert water after a rain from the surface. It then stores it inside to live on through the very hot summer months. It is "fluted" vertically so it can expand and contract with water.
Here is a "jumping cactus". No, it doesn't really jump but gets its name from the cactus needles it releases when brushed up against. When the needles go in, they curl on the ends like fish hooks. Last time I got some in me I had to use pliers to get the needles out.
2 comments:
Wow, those cactuses are humongous. I wish we had something like that in Ukraine. Can you imagine driving to Kiev and see those things by the road
Thanks for posting these pictures. I didn't realize how much I missed the Arizona desert. My mom was born in Bisbee and I still have family scattered across Arizona including now Edna's mother and brother who live in Phoenix. As a kid I spent a lot of time in places like Bisbee and Tombstone with lots of chances to explore the desert. Your pictures bring back a lot of memories. I'm glad we'll have the chance to visit Phoenix when we go back. We're looking forward to saying hi to your mom and dad.
-Greg
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