Argentine Cactus is a photograph by Robert Bales which was uploaded on March 15th, 2014.
Argentine Cactus
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
Argentine Cactus
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 15th, 2014
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Comments (75)
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #11 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
Kay Brewer
Wonderful find and capture, Robert! Congratulations on your 1000+ Views! LF and nominated for a Special Feature in the 1000 Views group.
Christopher James
Congratulation.....your wonderful work has been featured in the 1000 Views on 1 Image Group l/f/p
Suzanne Silvir
The intensity of the orange back lighting is just spectacular and really shows off the cactus!
Robert Bales replied:
The morning light really helped on this one. These open up in the morning and last until sunset.
Mr Bennett Kent
Stunning lighting, both glancing of the cactus and in the background. Beautiful work,Robert....L/F