Cactus Love (and a few other things...)

A few shots of some of the cactus and such as of late that have stood out. 

 The 'Lady Slippers' Pedlianthus are blooming- these to me are such cool plants- they do these small petite little "blooms" which look like ladies slippers and then make this little pod. 

 The Peruvian Cereus are busy making their fruit.  In a few shots you can see them a few days later starting to ripen.  Another name for this is the Peruvian Apple.  

 What's not to love about this little guy?  The Santa Rita pad grew like a heart!  It isn't entirely uncommon but always really neat when it happens. 

 The San Pedro Cactus are growing like crazy.  They don't seem to mind the heat.

 A shot of the Peruvian Cereus fruit about a week later- they are really interesting tasting if you have not- almost kiwi like. 

This little guy was hanging out today- he was so funny making all these sounds. I dind't want to bother him too much so I snapped a few shots and let him be.

Hope all is well with everyone!!! 

Blooms, Cactus and Succulents Oh My!

 Summer is definitely here and plants are blooming and showing off all over the place.  The Flame Acanthus, also referred to as the Hummingbird Bush, provides a vibrant show of red blooms that attract hummingbirds.  I don't have a photo of them on it, but they have been all over it. 

 The Peruvian Cereus, Night Blooming Cactus, is bursting with blooms and loaded with fruit.  I ate some the other day for the first time- kind of kiwi like, at least to me.

 The Hibiscus are showing off with their saucer sized blooms.

 The little Augusta Duelberg's are blooming away- I love this photo- the bee is actually sticking his tongue out- didn't even know they had them!!!! 

 This is a really neat bloom but is incredibly stinky.  It is a cactus looking succulent that has these really unique starfish like blooms.  

These little guys are showing a lot of color with the heat.  In the cooler months they are yellow and as it heats up turn UT orange.  Gotta love that!!  Hook em'!