Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Defiance


This Mammillaria klissingiana started showing buds in early December, about three months earlier than usual. I assumed the few warm December days we had caused it to produce a few flowers and then it would get back to its regular cycle. Instead, it has gone on to form a complete ring of flowers despite the cold January weather. I'm not going to worry about the meaning of it all; I'm just going to enjoy this small spot of color in my otherwise dormant garden.

11 comments:

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Good idea Aiyana, just enjoy those gorgeous flowers, I know I would! ;-)

Tracy said...

Very pretty. It will be stunning if they all bloom together. Do cacti normally get this many flowers??

kate said...

I guess this Mammillaria wanted to surprise you ... the flowers are a wonderful colour.

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

I love this photo, Aiyana. The graphic quality of the repeated circular shapes, the intense texture of the spines, and the contrast of colors are all stunning.

Plus, of course, the delight of flowers in winter!

Robin's Nesting Place said...

How Pretty! It almost looks like a ladies hat.

Wurzerl said...

Did I understand correct, this Mammillaria is growing outside in your garden? Wow!!It' s a gorgeous color and you did a great shot!
Wurzerl

Aiyana said...

Wurzerl,
Yes, it's in my garden and loves it there.
Tracy,
Depends on the genus and species. Many Mammillaria have this same ring flower pattern and have numerous tiny flowers, others have a few flowers, others have single larger flowers.

I usually reduce the photos for the web, but forgot to do that for this photo. If you click on it, it fills the whole screen and you can see the unbelievable detail of the spines and flowers.

Gin said...

Your blog has given me a new outlook on cacti. They can be so very beautiful!! This one is awesome!

Julie said...

Oh how exciting!!! This is just lovely! I am going back now to click on it so I can see it BIG!!!
Julie

ARTiculation said...

hi! i just wanted to stop by and say that your photography is absolutely beautiful...i especially love the citrus ones--the colors are so rich and bold and natural. you're very talented! also, thank you for checking out my art blog (ARTiculation)...we should share art soemtime. mind if i add you to my favorite bloggers?
--gabrielle

Aiyana said...

articulation,
Thanks! Feel free to add me to your faves. I appreciate it.