Ajo Mountains with Hedgehog Cactus by PatGoltz

Photography • Flowers/Plants • posted on Mar 20, 2012

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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.

Description

Echinocereus triglochidiatus. You don't usually find carpets of Hedgehog Cactus. In fact, it is somewhat endangered, so you don't see many in one place. They bloom later in the season than the annual wildflowers. This plant was located near the beginning of the road through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo Mountains, Arizona, USA. The use of the wide angle lens meant that the mountains in the distance look considerably smaller than they are. The flesh of the Hedgehog is edible, and has a nice flavor. But it can make you cold, so don't eat it in winter. Since the plant is scarce, it should be eaten rarely, and you should plant more seeds. The tiny fruit is also edible, and tastes somewhat like strawberries. Thank you to everyone for your very supportive comments.

Comments (13)

jgkane

4:17AM | Tue, 20 March 2012

An intriguing composition, Pat. I have never come across this cactus before. Since it is very rare and endangered, that is no surprise. I have had hedgehog to eat when I was a child. It was baked in clay, on an open fire, by Romany travellers in Ireland. I've never had Hedgehog crisps / potato chips, a 'delicacy' of the North of England... ;o) Warm regards, from a chilly, damp Glasgow, Scotland, John.