Among all the beautiful wildflowers we see growing around in Texas, one stands out for me. The Texas Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri). The photos I share here were all captured at the Pecan Springs Karst Preserve, a Hill Country Conservancy preserve in north Williamson County. The preserve is only open to the public a few times a year. I was lucky to have volunteered at this preserve and had access more often, when I used to photograph the flora and fauna there.
According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this Texas Prickly Pear variety is
named after Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879) who is often called the Father of Texas Botany because of his work as the first permanent-resident plant collector in Texas. In 1834 Lindheimer immigrated to the United States as a political refugee. He spent from 1843-1852 collecting specimens in Texas. In 1844 he settled in New Braunfels, Texas, and was granted land on the banks of the Comal River, where he continued his plant collecting and attempted to establish a botanical garden. He shared his findings with many others who shared his interest in botany, including Ferdinand von Roemer and Adolph Scheele. Lindheimer is credited with the discovery of several hundred plant species. In addition his name is used to designate forty-eight species and subspecies of plants. He is buried in New Braunfels. His house, on Comal Street in New Braunfels, is now a museum.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring FlowerHour, Macros, Parks, Pecan Springs Karst Preserve, Prickly Pear Cactus, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For Terri’s Flower Hour #13: Desert “Florals.”
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SoyBend
Gorgeous images of these plants, Egidio. Loved the closeup of a single flower. There is such a contrast between the leaves and the flowers. We have 3 kinds of Opuntia in our yard. I grew new plants by putting a single leaf on the ground with no water going to it. Amazing how well they grow!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Siobhan. It’s remarkable how drought-resistant these plants area.
Rebecca Cuningham
This is a marvelous photo. I love Texas wild flowers.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rebecca.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Davvero graziosissimi e coloratissimi questi cactus!
Egidio Leitao
Grazie.
Writing to Freedom
Beautiful photo and fun background Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Brad.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
These are gorgeously photographed cacti, they are so beautiful
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million.
restlessjo
Wow! We have them here, Egidio, but in nothing like such profusion xx
Egidio Leitao
They are abundant in Texas. Thanks for commenting.
mickmccann24175
your pictures made me want to trade places with the bee in your second shot!
Egidio Leitao
Mick, thanks for your note. That bee seems to be in heaven and enjoying the cactus pollen.
carabeinsplash
They’re so pretty. Cacti put out some of the most beautiful flowers.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Cara. Yes, I love seeing cacti in bloom.
solaner
I love Opuntias. When I was younger, I used to have cacti in my room.
Btw. do you know, if the fruits from all Opuntias are edible?
Egidio Leitao
An online search indicates that there are no known poisonous Opuntia fruits. They all vary in taste, though, and preparing them for eating is key. There are several things to be cleaned (needles, for example) before an Opuntia fruit is truly edible.
Anne Sandler
Beautiful prickly pears Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Stunning view of the prickly pear cacti and blooms, Egidio! The flowers are so delicate looking that you don’t think they come from cacti!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Terri. It was great being able to match your topic with a similar plant.