Guardians

Nice spines and surface relief textures on a Cylindropuntia cactus, also known as cholla. I've experienced first hand how sharp those spines are and how difficult, painful as well, it is to extricate them!

[Roe Jan]

Ouch! The spines look just like toothpicks. Nice detail.

[Kerri]

Ouchy. Don't want to know that pain.

[J A Byrdlip]

Ones learns that one does NOT wake in the desert in tennis shoes. The spines will go all the way in. Been there, done that....ouch!!!!

Becasue how easy they attach to a passing body, the term "jumping cholla" has also been used.

[Elizabeth Howard]

I also a big fan of succulents. I try to grow ones with tiny spines, though! Great shot!

[bruni]

my they look spiky.. wouldn't want to step into them

[Margaret Tryon]

Great shot Robert.

[molizard]

My guess is that this one has some pretty nice blooms. Even as a fan of cactus, I do often chose to keep my distance. Very nicely depicted!

[Robin]

Oh, a fabulous shot; very nicely composed to show off those nasty spikes. Have to have a lot of respect for cactus!

[Brad Johnson]

That's a party I'm steering clear of. Great shot.

[FaerieMoon]

Cactus are just cool--even with the spines (:

[FaerieMoon]

I guess I mean "cacti" in that sentence....ahhh, long day

[Henriette Sparkes]

Fav! I love cacti and this is a beautiful shot with the light on the spikes and the contrasting background. My son fell against one of these when he was 2 years old :(

[Bugik]

Ouchy photo!
What a great find. I thought those were toothpicks. :-)