There’s always something magical when certain kinds of things are hit with backlight. Things like the prickling spines of the cylindropuntia bigelovii cactus, which is nicknamed the teddy bear cholla. With a glowing edge just like you would see with fine hair, the outlines of these unfriendly plants can be seen against a sun that will soon disappear behind the mountains to the west. Also known as the jumping teddy bear, these cacti do like to give hugs but not let go. In fact this cactus spreads primarily by just that. Curiously, few if any viable seeds are produced and instead the little stems detach easily when they are picked up by an unfortunate animal or person (or fall off) and then those stems will take root in a new location. The spines are known to be particularly painful to remove should you become ensnared. It’s possible that this entire garden is from one single original plant that spread and spread into this forest of potential pain. I really hope this park and all the rest can be fully staffed soon. I fear for the damage being done there currently.
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