Monday, December 3, 2012

Desert Beauty

The desert can be a harsh environment: extreme temperatures, hidden water sources, lack of adequate shade during the day, brief, torrential downpours & weeks of no rain at all. It can also be a place filled with the beauty & diversity of nature, bought about by a need to survive & flourish in an unusual environment...
I am not sure what type of bush this is, but it has  developed seed pods that will easily spread on the breeze.

Jumping Cactus: these have needles that are curved on the ends.  The segments will embed themselves into clothing, shoes and skin if you get too close. They shouldn't be pulled off,  as the little curved needles will remain.

I believe this is an Agave Cactus. Agave is used in making tequila.

Prickly Pear Cactus: These are used in many foods, there's even a candy made from prickly pear leaves...

A lovely spot to walk or sit, remember & contemplate...
All photos taken near Sierra Vista, AZ at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

*All photos the property of Shelley McElhiney. Please share only with credit back to the original owner.


2 comments:

Waterrose said...

THe desert is beautiful. and food made with prickly pear is delicious!

Debbie @ OtRD said...

What lovely photos. I love the contrast of the plants in the desert!