(New Mexico)
Cacti are ubiquitous in the southwest. So, I’m sharing a few photos that feature them. New Mexico includes a portion of the Chihuahuan Desert which is home to numerous cactus views.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/19AB7E2A-A7F3-450D-A382-992BC40D82AD-500x375.jpeg)
There are many types with different colors, shapes, and sizes. I know some names, but not all the variations. For instance, Prickly Pear has at least 12 species, and Cholla has over 20. One needs a reference book to keep track.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EB8FAFBB-A48C-42AF-B383-5BC6C9BA1C02-500x375.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2201084D-298D-419C-A671-3189CE597042-500x375.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/7C49BE51-27A4-4323-B207-D17958007E62-500x373.jpeg)
Colors can include blue, orange, silver, purple and many shades of green. Shapes include pads, barrels, stalks, branches, and others. Some are as small as 3 inches, and others can reach 7 feet tall.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/6F12D33D-8A79-4276-B9F5-98A6379C7891-scaled-e1594585848108-375x500.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/A8592112-F654-435B-8BE2-2CEF566DA4FD-500x375.jpeg)
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/002D4C12-78F6-4B92-B41D-43D53BB3FD86-500x394.jpeg)
Cacti are used as landscaping, medicines, foods and drinks. Most have short or long spines, but some don’t have any. These come as spikes, bristles, needles, or are hair-like; and they can be straight, flat, round, curved, or hooked.
![](https://pleinairjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/14D4994C-52B7-4B7D-A1D4-FBA41B6CE838-500x375.jpeg)
Their blooms also come in a large array of colors. One must be careful to avoid their spines; so, stay clear. Yet, they are beautiful to behold.
Camp: Friend’s Place
Scene: Cactus
Nice!