2/11/2011

wahhhh parah nih kaktus




Cactus in front of a hotel in Cinque Terre, Italy
Image: Alex T.
Today, we’d like to take a look at a plant that is especially close to our, er, hearts – the cactus! The following pictures will prove that this prickly green friend can be quite a source of amusement.
First, let us introduce the species with a little help from Wikipedia: “Cacti are distinctive and unusual plants (you bet), which are adapted to extremely arid and hot environments (absolutely), showing a wide range of anatomical and physiological features (ah-huh, we’re listening) which conserve water. Their stems have adapted to become photosynthetic and succulent, while the leaves have become the spines for which cacti are well known. Cacti come in a wide range of shapes and sizes” – though we all know that size doesn’t matter.
This red cactus is apparently common in Yucatan and even said to have, er, enhancing properties if boiled and eaten as a soup. Right…
Red cactus
Image: Unknown photographer via Squidoo
The next specimen belongs to the Cephalocereus gaumeri species and is often referred to as “old man” cactus, because of the white wool on top looking like long white hairs – not what you’re thinking. The limp things hanging down from the cactus fruits are flower remains. Maybe it’s not a cactus man after all?
Cephalocereus gaumeri
Image via Backyard Nature
What this cactus seems to have too much of …
Cactus
Image: Becka Spence
… this one seems to lack. Little blue pills, anyone?
Cactus gone soft
Image: Jay Free
It’ll take some balls to come out of hiding:
Wall cactus somewhere in Chile
Image: Emilio
Tom, Dick and Harry playing the same old tune…
Cacti collection
Image: Unknown photographer via Picture for fun
Pretties in pink:
Pretty cacti on Lanzarote
Image: Jay Gooby
Subtlety is not his strength:
Cactus in Texas
Image: Unknown photographer via Holybug
Going somewhere?
Arizona cactus

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