Kykeion Posted May 13, 2016 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 14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kykeion Posted May 13, 2016 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. 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BedOSpines Posted May 13, 2016 Perks of the job aye? They are fantastic. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kykeion Posted May 13, 2016 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. 11 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterboy 2.0 Posted May 14, 2016 Very nice piccies mate Thank you WB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zelly Posted May 14, 2016 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 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brooa Posted May 14, 2016 those pics are amazing :D nice work! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kykeion Posted May 16, 2016 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites