SW Colorado Cacti

[Kykeion]

I just spent the months of March and April out in the field doing archaeological monitoring for a construction project (not really as exciting as it might sound).  There was very little actual archaeology where most of the construction took place, but there was cactus!  The most common cactus in much of the project area is the endangered Sclerocactus mesae-verdae (aka the Mesa Verde Cactus).  Because this cactus is endangered there was also a biological monitor present to make sure construction did not disturb them.  This meant that all know locations of the cacti were clearly marked which made it easy for me to locate and photograph them. Below are links to some facts sheets on the species and some of my better photos, enjoy!

 

http://www.southwestlearning.org/download_product/1716/0

http://www.nndfw.org/nnhp/Plants/scmeve.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/documents/r2es/mesa_verde_cactus_5-year_review_jan2011.pdf

[Kykeion]

Also present in the area, but not as abundant is Sclerocactus parviflorus subspecies intermedius (Fishhook Cactus).  This is a more common species spread over a much wider range, but still interesting.

[BedOSpines]

Perks of the job aye? They are fantastic. 

[Kykeion]

Indeed Bedofspines, most of the time the only cacti I come across are opuntias, so this was a bit of a treat.  There were opuntias out there too, but there weren't blooming just yet. I missed most of the parviflorus blooms as well, but did get to see a few.  The last day I was out there the Claret Cup/Hedgehog Cacti (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) began to bloom as well.

[waterboy 2.0]

Very nice piccies mate

 

Thank you

WB

[zelly]

My Echinocereus triglochidiatus was recently flowering, more than likely at the exact same time as those you saw in the field.

 

here's a closeup of the flower

 

Using pollen from a nearby Notocactus magnificus, I got two flowers to set fruits

 

[brooa]

those pics are amazing :D nice work!

[Kykeion]

When I moved out of my last house I brought a E triglochidiatus with me that was there when I first moved in.  Thankfully it survived being potted up and left out in the pot over winter.  It hasn't bloomed yet this season, but it does have some buds.  I'm not looking forward to replanting it though. Due to the rushed nature of the move (two weeks notice), it ended up being put in a huge pot with about 4 opuntias and an Escobaria vivipara.

 

[Kykeion]

Opuntia Polyacantha