In November of 2017, We traveled to Chile again for a revisit to some wonderful cactus habitats. This trip included as many cactus as I could pack into a modest trip. We saw many Copiapoas, Eriosyce, Eulychnias and Neochileanias ( an old but justifiable name) November is spring time in the way southern hemisphere so we were also treated to a number of blooming bulbs and other plants like Calandrinias (Cistanthe). This was a beautiful and special trip as the northern part

This is an overview of the recent news that the cactus family is the fifth most endangered plant or animal family on the planet and some of the new methods that conservation biologists are using to try to “save the cacti”, including research I’m doing that is partially funded by the San Diego Cactus & Succulent Society. Peter Breslin is a student in the Environmental Life Sciences PhD program at Arizona State University. He has been conducting botanical field work in the Son

I was at first enamored by the geometric sculptural shapes that this genus displays. From the smallest golf ball sized Astrophytum asterias to the grand golden spined Astrophytum ornatum, they are inspiring. I realized when Brian Kemble was talking about these plants in his Mexico presentation at our last meeting that he had referenced the beautiful yellow flowers with red throats, I wanted to share and elaborate so much so that I jumped at the opportunity. OK truth be told