Xerophyte. Xerófito.
Xerophytes are drought-adapted plants, commonly found in environments where water is scarce. An example is the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica. The fruits, seen here, are delicious but harvesting and peeling them can be quite tricky because of all the small spines, it is almost guaranteed that at least one will find its way into your skin no matter how careful you are (speaking from experience here). Bonus wasp!
The wasp looks so tiny! Click for full size.
© Nightjar, all rights reserved.
My first thought was the glochids. Yeah, they are hard to evade, somehow they always get you no matter how careful you are. Look at the colors on the fruit, so beautiful! And the wasp!! But I hope the glochids did not get you, despite only shooting a photo!
Fabulous shot! That wasp looks like it’s on a gigantic fruit. I’ve been spined by prickly pear before, and yes, one will always get you.
Nice picture!
In season I have them every day :-)
They grow in my garden…
Picking them and peeling is not that difficult, you need gloves, bucket of cold water, sharp knife and “can on the stick” instrument.
Before sun is up -- happy picking!
Best regards
Thank you!
kestrel and Caine, I’m glad I’m not the only one having that problem! There’s always that one spine you feel in your skin afterwards, but I usually struggle to see it.
Poltiser, hm, maybe I just need more practice then :). I don’t have them in my garden but I have two neighbours who do and are always happy to share.
It’s a beautiful photo Nightjar. All of your photos are beautiful and I look forward every day to see what you post.