Monday, May 18, 2009

Cactus Monday (#35) C = for Cactus

C = for Cactus ! (What else!) Graham's Nipple Cactus or Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria grahamii) is a common cactus in Tucson. These small cacti are very easy to overlook, except when they are blooming. Their flowers are a lovely rose-pink color, and they circle the cactus tops, sometimes forming perfect, crown-like rings like this one. Its radial spines cover the stem "nipples" and one or two dark, hooked spines emerge from each of the "nipples". Of course this knowledge came from the internet, as mine on cacti is limited. I found this while searching for an image to paint for the ABC challenge. I bought this cactus a few weeks ago, about to blossom with a lot of buds, but unfortunately they all dried up and disappeared.....maybe next year. So far all my cacti are still alive, watering them only once a month, according to the advice of my fellow cactuteers. (Thanks!) Happy Cactus Monday to you all!

12 comments:

  1. That particular cacti you referred to is so pretty but not even near how beautiful this 'C' is! It is a WOWZER for sure. I absolutely love it. Now I am going to look and see if I exchange a C with you. lol

    HCM!

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  2. So pretty. I love you 'cactus' fans!

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  3. ha ha i was going to say what teri just said....happy cactus monday fellow cactuteer!

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  4. Red is a all round favourite of most girls.
    Lovely and gorgeous:)
    Happy Cactus Monday!

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  5. Lovely colors, Marianne! They look cute n perfect along with ur info.

    HCM!

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  6. great minds think alike...and ABC cactus Monday post!!

    This is a beauty. Funny name for the plant but I do see why!
    HCM my dear!!

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  7. Beautiful and delicate...what a series!!!! :) HCM! :)

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  8. Beautiful! Happy Cactus Monday to you!

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  9. I love your new added demension to your more recent ATC mandalas! They are magical!!!

    Have a happy Cactus Monday!

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  10. Those little flowers look like a wreath around the cactus and the yellow centers make them look so cheerful. Beautiful work!

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  11. Delicately detailed as always, Marianne!

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  12. Incredibly beautiful! I love the pink and thanks for all the information!

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