Every time I play the song Beauty and the Beast on the piano I somehow feel sorry for the beast...
Is the beast just a terrifying creature and can't it be beautiful? Why this division?
Well, the day has come when I can prove that a beast can also be beautiful. This is a "cactus beast", but anyway, it stands huge and proud on a roundabout between two towns. Behind him is a railway bridge. The tallest stems almost reach that height.
It was last year when I noticed this huge cactus was blooming. I was driving home, saw it at that roundabout and wanted to come back in a few days to see those big white flowers up close. But those flowers were not waiting for me - they withered by the time I arrived.
I didn't even remember that event anymore, nor did it cross my mind to walk there sometimes and check if this cactus was blooming. Quite by chance, while we were walking this morning, we passed by this roundabout and wonder of wonders - the cactus appeared in full bloom. 😃
Maybe I wasn't supposed to cross the road and enter that space... now, to justify myself I can say that I didn't step on grass or other flowers to damage anything since there is no grass at all, so I guess it was ok. I just wanted to get close to the flowers, greet the beast and take some photos.
As you can see, the flowers are quite big too. There are several layers of white petals that protect the interior of the flower. So many of these flowers were open at the time we were there, but I also noticed already withered ones. I didn't try to count the number of the flowers this beast had. I think I was just amazed to be that close to it.
Now, the question is what is the real name of this huge cactus, that I called beast? I searched for the answer and maybe it would be Cereus hexagonus, or in another name Lady of the Night. The description I found says that it...
...grows like a tree with erect shoots that branch out from near the base and can reach heights of growth of up to 15 metres. The cylindrical, segmented, glaucous light green shoots have a diameter of up to 12 centimetres and more. There are four to seven thin, wavy ribs that are 3 to 5 centimetres high.
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As far as I compare the description to the characteristics of the cactus that was in front of me I could say that it is a match. However, if anyone recognized this cactus and I think I am wrong with the identification, please feel free to let me know. :)
What is certain is that I was lucky enough to meet this beautiful beast in its bloom this year. You may also arrive in time to see its white flowers, as there are many closed flower buds. Hurry up and come to this roundabout... maybe these flower buds are waiting for you. 🌸
I think I have seen these flowers for the first time and they are quite large and beautiful. Indeed these flowers are withered but I still find them fresh and attractive. I would like to know what those flowers smelled like
They didn't have a special fragrance, nothing actually, at least for my sense of smell 😅
Well I already guessed that it wouldn't smell because flowers like this don't smell very often. But these beautiful flowers make people crazy with their beauty
IT'S SO TALL! Near my home there are some cactus plants, also tall, but not that much, and I've never seen them blooming. I see them everyday I go to school, since I was 7... maybe they just don't have the conditions to bloom, they are honestly in a dry, away from sunlight place. I'd love to see their flowers though.
This one is so impressive, a beauty, and the nickname you gave it is perfect in my opinion, it fits :)
I suppose we would not like to climb this cactus beast, even if we would have some cool views :D
The blooming period doesn't last for long. Maybe you are on a school break when those that you see bloom.
That's a good point to be honest... Kinda sad I don't use to walk near that place during vacation. But yeah I should check out some of these days if they're already blooming!
And speaking of climbing a cactus, yeah I wouldn't like that, I'd feel bad for the cactus :,)
😂😂😂
This cactus is really blooming
It looks really nice
It’s indeed a beautiful beast
The beautiful beast must have been grateful for your visit, it looks lonely and it is so beautiful with those flowers decorating it like wreaths all over the place. A lady who may be a beast but she is wonderful.
I had no idea you could post about street succulents...not your own! It's great!!!😍
This cactus is not really frequented by people because of its location. Just cars pass by it, around that roundabout. So, yeah, why not - it is not lonely anymore since it is on Hive 😉
You are absolutely right now she will be admired in Hive!!! It is beautiful!
The beast should be the "beast" in order figure out what it is to be beautiful and to truly appreciate beauty.
This is the first time I see such a beautiful and big cactus ❤️
Yes, a beast is a beast, but it brought some pretty flowers.
I was seeing tall cacti around, but this one was a real giant 😋
This cactus proves that not all beasts are ugly 😅. The flowers look so pretty, how does the flower smell? I'm just curious
Glad you were able to meet them in full bloom this time around.
Now that's a very tall cactus
Yes, so tall that almost reached the bridge. And the smell - I didn't smell a strong scent when I was close to the flowers.
I don't think I would have wanted to be near this beast if I saw it, it's not the prettiest thing from far away. Though fair to say this beast can spring surprises on people and be beautiful as well. Maybe it's its mechanism to keep people away?
It could just seem scary but lucky me that it didn't start moving its arms when I was there... It would be a painful hug from the part of this cactus beast 😆
Such a beautiful beast flower. First time to see that. 🩷
I imagine there are more succulents and cacti here in Spain than in the UK, because of the climate 🌵🌸
Yes that's right. 🩷😊
It is Cereus, Called Queen of the Night here and it's very invasive, grows anywhere. I think they struggle to grow in Spain because of the Mediterranean climate but maybe not
Cereus. So, the identification was right ;)) I see many succulents and cacti here around, but not many of these Queens (I prefer the Beast nickname 😁)
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It's my first time to see a very huge Cactus.What I usually see is the cute ones
Yeah, this is like a giant, and full of flowers :)