Thursday, May 15, 2008

Pine cones and Gingham




Euphorbia obesa or Gingham Cactus, but it's not really a cactus. It's a succulent. It is wanting me to groom it for next year's Cactus and Succulent Society show. I have had this little guy for about 3 years. The little cyathia on the top are an uninpressive yellow, but I love they way it looks like a hot air balloon. It will grow to about 3-5 inches across. I keep it outside year round on my partly shaded, east patio. Hopefuly now that I have decided I will enter it in next year show-it won't end up like the Melocactus!







Tephrocactus articulatus--Pine Cone Cactus is ready to bloom. It bloomed! The bee in the center of the flower is just loaded with pollen. He rolled around this flower for at least a full minute . This cactus is full grown at 2' x 3' This one is planted in full west sun and is a great Xeriscape cactus. Our wet winter has this cactus bursting with blooms--the most ever! My potted one hasn't even started to bloom. This one is about 4 years old. It can get larger, but the segments usually fall off. If left in place, the segments will root.



















3 comments:

Julie said...

Oh, that pinecone cactus is so cool looking! Nice flowers too! Your bee is adorable in there, all bathed in pollen! Good shot!

Claude said...

two more really cool plants... I especially like the pine cone cactus.

My Little Family: said...

It rally does look like a hothair balloon! Vickie