Home & Garden

This cluster of tiny globes is part of a “thimble” cactus, in a pot on the patio. This variety is native to central Mexico. The cactus consists of these little round buds, each of which has clusters of interlaced white spines. If left on the open ground, it will spread to form large mats like a ground cover.

In late winter, this little cactus produces satiny, creamy yellow flowers. It likes bright light and warm temperatures, although it will tolerate short duration temperatures down to as low as 20 degrees F.

In the photo, the clusters appear near actual size on the computer screen. To see the globes and spines close up, click on the image. By the way, those little spines are extremely sharp and stiff.

In recent months, I’ve added several new succulents to the cactus and succulent section of our patio. We get them either from the gift shop at the Botanic Gardens or at the local home supply outlet’s garden shop. This morning, we had this lovely “rainbow” appear.

Click the image to enlarge.

Echinobvia hybrids, “Rainbow bursts,” are so named for their spectacular display of colorful flowers during the spring and summer months. These hybrids are crosses between Echinopsis and Lobovia succulent species, hence the Echinobvia hybrid designation. This cultivar must be protected from frost and be placed in an area that gets direct sunlight for most of the daylight hours.

Here – you try to pronounce the name of this little cactus:

By any name you might call it, though, it has pretty little flowers – don’t you think? Click the image below to enlarge.