Presenting one of my favorite succulent flower displays, the barrel cactus comes in yellow, orange, and red. Barrels have a unique relationship with the ground squirrels who thrive on their fruit. It is widely suspected that the fishhook barrel developed hooked, downward-pointed spines specifically for this reason. The ground squirrel is willing to navigate a sinister gauntlet of downward spines for the reward of hearty, nutrient-rich fruit. Only in times of famine, is it worth the effort for the leafier flowers.
Photographed near Picture Rocks, AZ.
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