Prickly Things Blooming

Original Fine Art Photography by Donna Kennedy-
Prickly Pear in natural light, photographed in Reno, Nevada...

The genus Opuntia... more

by Donna Kennedy

Title

Prickly Things Blooming

Artist

Donna Kennedy

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Original Fine Art Photography by Donna Kennedy-
Prickly Pear in natural light, photographed in Reno, Nevada...

The genus Opuntia (particularly the subgenus Platyopuntia, or “flat-Opuntia”) is a well-known symbol of Mexico and the American Southwest. The prickly pear (nopal, in Spanish) has the distinctive shape of fleshy oval pads (pencas) growing one atop the other. Most have defensive spines (sometimes large, sometimes small) growing out of the pads, menacing would-be Opuntia eaters and providing humorous stories for many rural Southwestern families, who often repeat tales of a relative’s encounter with one of the low-growing varieties.

Besides being known for their spines, prickly pears are also known for their universally beautiful flowers. Pretty flowers are a common trait throughout the Cactaceae (Cactus family) and have inspired much poetic and philosophical reflection because of their contrast with the unfriendly-looking spines that are also a common trait throughout the Cactaceae. Prickly pear flowers can be easily recognized by their numerous and colorful tepals (not necessarily uniform, but grading from spiny sepals to petals) and their often showy and numerous stamens. Most prickly pear cactus have yellow, red or purple flowers, even among the same species.

Thank you to the Administrators that Featured this photo in the following Groups:
-Light Marvels
-Visions of Spring-Glances of Summer
-Macro Marvels
-Canon Full Frame Cameras
-Orange-Yellow-Red Photos and Paints
-For the Love of Flowers
-Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery
-Flowers Flora Blossoms
-Just Perfect
-Beautiful Flowers

Uploaded

October 23rd, 2021