Cactus Eye Candy

Today the flower buds of the fishhook barrel cactus are reminiscent of candy corn. Tomorrow they will bloom with brilliant color under the blazing... more

by Douglas Taylor

Title

Cactus Eye Candy

Artist

Douglas Taylor

Medium

Photograph - Fine Art Digital Photography

Description

Today the flower buds of the fishhook barrel cactus are reminiscent of candy corn. Tomorrow they will bloom with brilliant color under the blazing hot desert summer sun of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Arizona.

The fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) bloom from July through September, and the flowers of this globular to cylindrical cactus range from deep maroon and red to brilliant yellow, with an infinite variety of oranges and variegations to be found. But only if you search out these brilliant beauties during the hottest part of the day. They only open in full daylight and begin to close by mid-afternoon.

The funnel shaped flowers are usually clustered close together around the crown of the cactus and are between 2 to 3 inches wide. A mature Fishhook Barrel cactus can be over 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. They are also (mistakenly) called "compass" barrel cactus because they invariably lean to the south, though the common name actually belongs to a similar Ferocactus species. The range of the Fishhook Barrel includes southern Arizona and New Mexico, southwestern Texas, and across the border in northern Mexico at elevations under 4,500 feet.

This distinctive macro perspective finds the deliciously colored flower buds highlighted against the shadow of late afternoon light. It is formatted in the 2:3 ratio where a bright, bold, colorful and dramatic floral image is desired for a 16" x 24" style presentation up to a giant 4 foot by 6 foot print with remarkable color and astonishing clarity. It will also make a delightful jigsaw puzzle.

Uploaded

October 1st, 2023