Copiapoa esmeraldana flower

I didn't have time to do it right so I just took a quick snapshot of the flower of Copiapoa esmeraldana. Sitting as it is surrounded by the "Ruby Hedgehog", you'd almost think the flower was on one of those plants. But of course, we all know better!

I'll try to get a better picture as soon as possible.
I hope you had a chance to enjoy the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

Late season flowers: Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus

We've posted this plant on many occasions, but that's partly because it's such a great plant. It flowers dependably from early Spring into the early Fall, and they are indeed spectacular; but the plants are themselves amazing, with their tightly appressed reddish spines. Right now they're adding a bit of brightness as the skies begin to darken and a small coastal storm begins to bring rain and wind. Fall is here.

 

Please, enjoy your plants!

Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubrispinus

Today I did have a few minutes to get some shots of the Ruby Hedgehog in flower. They've been flowering off and on for a while now; just never seem to have the camera handy when I need it.