Natural History Wanderings

Big Bend National Park reports

Blooming now! The spiny-fruited cactus (Opuntia spinosibacca) is common along the Upper Hot Spring Trail in the park, but is otherwise quite rare. This cactus is known only to grow in the hot, dry limestone substrates of Southern Brewster county. Suitable habitat for the spiny-fruited cactus exist in Mexico, however, this cactus has not yet been documented there. The attractive red spines and yellow flowers make this prickly pear cactus a welcome sight along the trails.

See photos at #WildflowerWednesday