Visitors will find a concentration of vibrant Cholla (or Teddybear) cacti mainly at what's called the
Cholla Cactus Garden which occupies a few square miles. Some of these strange desert succulents
like the one below can grow taller than men. Better to stay at a respectful distance, by the way,
else their needles will find your skin and flesh like magnets. Teddybear... If ever there was a misnomer.
All living flowers and plants here seed and prosper naturally in this rather arrid environment. As does
the Ocotillo top right, not yet in full bloom, in a warm late afternoon glow. This hardy desert shrub,
not a cactus, is said to survive for up to 200 years in the extreme. When in flower their nectar provides
a vital source of energy especially for Hummingbirds.