More density

Here’s another view of the density of stems and stalks and trunks I saw at McKinney Falls State Park on March 1st. In the foreground, mostly green but with red daubs from its small fruits, is a Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, known as tasajillo and pencil cactus. The light gray and tan stalks farther back are the dried remains of giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida, and beyond them, barely visible, are bare branches and trunks of various trees. As I said: dense.

The colors of Cylindropuntia leptocaulis‘s fruits and joints have led to the additional vernacular name Christmas cactus. Obviously today isn’t Christmas, but you can apply the green of the cactus to St. Patrick’s Day if you wish. Or you can go back and grab the green from the Lower Falls. There’s no extra charge for the repurposing of either one.

© 2013 Steven Schwartzman