Spineology

Spineology:  The study of sharp, spiny objects, esp. as related to cactus spines, and how they adapt to their natural environment.  OK, so I just made that up.  But with my brand new macro lens + being out in the desert last weekend, I couldn't resist getting close and personal with a couple of my cactus friends!  Not much flowering this time of year, so went with the spines!

Purple prickly-pear. The big spines hurt, but the little ones are even worse.  They must be barbed, because they go in and they don't come out!

Another species of prickly pear (Opuntia)... we will call him "fooled you" prickly pear because he's hairy and you don't see the sharp, painful spines underneath!

I think this is a Cereus cactus.  Covered with long, sharp spines.  But he gets severely eaten up by the antelope squirrels during the dry months, so even all these spines aren't enough to protect him!

Macro shot of spines on a Yellow Barrel

Red barrel spines

Ocotillo cactus spines are stiff as nails!

Another Prickly Pear

Ouch!  A little something my wife picked up while gardening!