Red Spines - Barrel Cactus
by KJ Swan
Title
Red Spines - Barrel Cactus
Artist
KJ Swan
Medium
Photograph
Description
Lost and alone in the desert? Barrel cactus habitually grow tilted toward the southwest making them a natural compass. But don't believe Hollywood, you can't drink their alkaline sap like water.
The barrel shape evolved to provide a low ratio of surface area to plant volume. Those ribs reduce the exposure to the desiccating effects of heat and wind common to the Southwestern United States.
California Barrel, Cliff Barrel, Compass Barrel, Compass Cactus, Desert Barrel, Golden-Spined Barrel, Spiny Barrel Cactus are some of the common names of this plant. This Ferocactus cylindraceus grows in the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve near Las Vegas, Nevada.
Uploaded
January 3rd, 2022
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