Protected
by Rob Hemphill
Title
Protected
Artist
Rob Hemphill
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This cactus plant caught my eye as I was walking on one of the trails in Zion National Park. The delicate flower is surrounded by a plethora of thorns from the cactus plant itself, as well as a thorn bush. The analogy 'a rose between two thorns' came into mind!
Cactus plants are found around the world but are native to the Americas. Some cacti may look like a pincushion; others a cow’s tongue or a beaver’s tail and some like a shrub or small tree. With nearly 2000 species of cacti in the world, a variety of shapes and appearances can be found.
All cacti are succulents, most are stem succulents; represented by thick fleshy stems with little or no woody tissue. The sharp spines are believed to have evolved from the now missing leaves of the cactus. Summer time is when cacti are actively growing and able to absorb water from the warm soil. During the winter months they remain dormant because of their inability to take in water from the cold ground.
The spines of a cactus can vary in size and shape. Some spines are long and rigid while others may resemble a fishhook. The spines grow from areoles (modified branches) in clusters, and prevent the plant from being eaten by animals.
All cacti produce flowers. Colors can range from white to yellow to red and may bloom for only a short time, some less than one day. The flower also originates from the areoles, and the bright blossoms attract birds, bats, and insects to pollinate them. Once pollinated, the cactus will produce a fruit filled with seeds, which can then be eaten and scattered by birds and other animals.
The root system of a cactus remains very close to the surface of the soil, where it can collect as much water as possible during periods of precipitation. They may also have very long roots which quickly absorb water and transport it to the fleshy stem for storage.
Zion National Park is home to number of different cactus species, including claret cup, pricklypear, and cholla.
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Featured in the following FAA Groups:
"Art Submissions To PKA" 11/19/2020
"The Top 50 Features" 11/18/2020
"Square Art World" 11/18/2020
"The Road To Self Promotion" 11/18/2020
"Just Perfect" 11/18/2020
"Your Story of Art" 11/18/2020
"Fine Art America Professionals" 11/18/2020
"Symbolism in Photography" 11/17/2020
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Uploaded
November 17th, 2020
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Viewed 227 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/24/2024 at 9:22 PM
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