Saturday, May 29, 2010

Unexpected Blooms


We recently returned from vacation in southern Arizona. I always find it surprising to see the spectacular desert blooms. Some of them are larger than the cactus that support them!

The large cactus is the Saguaro. A mature saguaro is considered to be at least 125 years of age. Average life spans are usually 150 to 175 years of age. Saguaros begin to grow arms at about 65 to 75 years of age.
The buds open into large white flowers from late April through early June. Each flower opens in the middle of the night, and closes the following day.

8 comments:

Splendid Little Stars said...

very cool photos! I was able to see the desert in bloom last April when I was in the Phoenix area. It is quite beautiful. just think--those prickly, spiny arms producing such large, beauitful, delicate flowers!

roseworksjewelry said...

I just got back from AZ too and it was the first time I've seen cactus in bloom!

TiLT said...

wow! Gotta love nature! Beauty is everywhere!

Anitra Cameron said...

So beautiful! One of my dreams is to be there in person to see the saguaro in bloom. Thanks for sharing the beauty!

Erika said...

Beautiful. I think it is amazing that something so amazing can grow in those conditions.

storybeader said...

those are amazing photographs! I love the one on the left, with the bird sitting on one of the arms. They are truly grand plants!

Shalana, the funky felter said...

Such beauty! I saw a few little potted cactus at the hardware store the other day and thought how neat they were, but your photos bring a better perspective of them in all their natural glory. Thanks for sharing :)

Memories for Life said...

How pretty :) I did not know that they flowered!