Mammillaria Bocasana

I don't intend this blog to turn into a blog about Cacti, but I am working on a new abstract project, so while I finish that, I'll post some of my cacti that have been blooming.

Years ago when I became interested in Cacti, we would go out hicking and come across some beautiful species. At that time we were surrounded by so many that it never occured to me that it was illegal to pick one out of the earth and bring it home. I thought it was like picking wild flowers. That was how this particular one became part of my collection. It has been cared for and with us, for many years and I have often thought that I might have saved it from being crushed by heavy machinery, while making way for a new highway or land being turned into agicultural soil.

These are not easy to identify because they are so similar sometimes to others in different regions. If I have done my research right, this is a Mammillaria BOCASANA poselg that grows in the state of San Luis Potosi. The stems are only about and inch high and they have very tiny yellowish tinted flowers. They bloom only once a year in March.

Ferocactus Histrix

San Luis Potosi is noted for having one of the largest varieties of cacti in the world. When you first see one while hiking or driving on the highways you think they all very similar until you start taking interest in them and then realize that the difference and variety of species is immense. Some are very small and just barely visible because just the top parts show up above the soil, others are very tall and thin, while others like this particular one are at least 3ft. high and about 2 ft. in its circumference. One this big is usually close to a century old. They usually grow on the sides of mountains but will also be found on flatter land. One thing that I have noticed is that if you find one, you will probably find at least a dozen several yards apart in the same area and then if you walk a bit more, you will find a completely different species close by.

The one in this picture is a few yard from our ranch home and it will be in full bloom in about a week. All of those buds will turn into gorgeous bright yellow flowers and after they dry and fall off, the fruit will be left on the cactus. It is a small elongated fruit about the size of a fig in colors ranging from burnt orange to deep red. They have a sweet sour taste to them and many people love to enjoy the savor while drinking tequila.