Blooming Argentine Giant is a photograph by Robert Bales which was uploaded on March 19th, 2014.
Blooming Argentine Giant
The Argentine Giant (aka Easter Lily Cactus) is known for its sprawling stems that originate from a central point. But its better known for the giant... more
by Robert Bales
Title
Blooming Argentine Giant
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
The Argentine Giant (aka Easter Lily Cactus) is known for its sprawling stems that originate from a central point. But its better known for the giant flowers, measuring up to 8 inches across, that it gets: Unfortunately, these flowers only last about 1 day, opening at night. If the weather is hot, as it was the day I shot the above photo, they start to wilt by mid-morning. And the one-day duration really worked against me. With a new baby at the house I was not able to get out in time to take a photo while the morning light was nice, leaving me with the harshly lit snapshot above.
A columnar cactus with each stem fast growing up to 4 inches wide, 3 feet tall, and clumping 6 - 7 feet wide. Most books say that they only clump to about 3 feet but as you can see from the top photo, the plants can spread to about 7 feet.
It's fragrant blooms normally open at night and persist until early morning. The bright white petals and yellow centers attract night pollinators such as, moths and bats.
While it is said to be a nocturnal blooming cactus with the flowers closing at early morning. On cool, cloudy days in Arizona; the flowers continue blooming during the day.
Uploaded
March 19th, 2014
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Comments (127)
Peggy Collins
Such a glorious flower just bursting with life and so beautifully captured. BTW I just faved this and was fave #100!
Dennis Baswell
lovely Easter Lily cactus, once living in the S.W. desert I was always amazed how plain it was during the day, then the evening miracle rolled around and flowers appeared everywhere, so I still have an appreciation for the hidden beauty of the desert. Thanks for sharing.
Robert Bales replied:
Sorry, I missed this one, but thanks for the comments and so true about the beauty!! We have a large saguaro in our backyard that is about ready to bloom!!
Pat Goltz
Such beautiful bluish cast to this, and great focus and detail.
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much for the wonderful comments! It is our front yard at our winter place!
Flees Photos
Robert your capture of the Blooming Argentine Giant is absolutely stunning. Well done
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks, Flees for the visit, and nice comment! Just got back from a 10-day trip.