Here in the low desert, we live with danger everyday… scorpions, rattlesnakes, dust devils, but my favorite danger is the cholla. It is one of my favorite desert plant. Now, there a few dozens or so types of cholla ( a bushy species of the cactus family), but I haven’t met one that I didn’t think was beautiful. That is until you get close.
They are one aggressive plant. Their sharp spines are deceivingly nasty, and their spines seem to find their way into your thigh or bottom of your shoe when you least expect. I will never have them in my yard, but I will still love them and defend their bad reputation.
Above: Cholla at the Desert Botanical Garden yesterday.
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