On Feb. 16th we found several species of cacti in our rambles. Of course it will be several months yet before they blossom.
Plains Nipple Cactus (Escobaria missouriensis) usually does not have a center spine. However if it is present then it is undifferentiated from the radial spines.
A faded red fruit of the Plains Nipple Cactus (Escobaria missouriensis). The red fruit is a dead give away. Often times the fruit will have been already eaten by this time of year.
A Pineapple Cactus (Coryphantha sulcata) with babies nestled at it base. Many cacti need to be protected from the harsh sun to get a good start.
Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia) with the typical long spines.
Then we came across Opuntia that only had short spines!
Measuring it was only about a centimeter (0.39″). Then I wondered if some on the longer spines might have fallen off.
Looking back at my photos at home, I noticed that the longer spined one did have short spines too. I need to pay closer attention to the Prickly Pears! So they probably are two different species after looking at the FNCT key.
This was the big picture of the short spined cactus. I probably should investigate it more. BUT that will be for another day. So today the long and short of it keep observing, eh!
I saw sandhills flying over my neighborhood this morning. I love their awesome voices. We are going to Nebraska to the Rowe Sanctuary at the end of March to see the great migration gathering on the Platte River.
Dang. Neck brace for a bug. Never would have dreamed it. And love the dandelion article.🤞🏽 it works.
Crazy and wonderful!
That’s so lovely they saved the little stick friend. Nice cacti! We have coffee filters over our baby cacti in the plant window or they get sad.
Clever idea!
I saw sandhills flying over my neighborhood this morning. I love their awesome voices. We are going to Nebraska to the Rowe Sanctuary at the end of March to see the great migration gathering on the Platte River.
I hope some day we make it there. Hope you will have some photos to share🤞🏼😊