Bloom for Memorial Day

[cactuswatcher]

This is one of my favorite cacti.

The flower is about 1" (25 mm) across to give you and idea of the size of the plant. In the picture the spines look almost white because of the bright light. The spines are actually reddish which you may be able to see on some of the lower ones in the shade, here. When it rains they turn a deep cherry red, and it's easily the prettiest barrel cactus I own. It has been blooming earlier in the season as it has grown older. Last year it bloomed two different times in the summer with several blossoms each time. This flower is the first of this season. There are several more buds hiding in the top spines.

I think this cactus is something of a cross breed. Cacti have few prejudices that way. ;o)

Ferrocactus (gatesii?)

Comments

[cactuswatcher.livejournal.com]

I ought to get a picture of it when it is wet. It is really a lot more attractive, when the spines are deep, dark red.