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This is a Euphorbia Obesa and I have no idea how
people come up with these Latin names. It sort of reminds me
of "Euphoria Obese," but don't ask me what the connection is between feeling
euphoric and obesity.
Because many cacti have more informal name, I thought I would give a whirl with this cactus.
I name it Hacky Sack Cactus.
Doesn't it look like a hacky sack? For those of you who don't
know, a hacky sack is a small bean bag popular with young people. The activity requires
that one keeps it up in the air with anything besides their hands and arms, in which
one typically hits with semi-contorted manuevers with their feet and knees.
This is definitely an interesting cactus. It has eight spinal
columns of fairly minute thorns. Apparently it provides blooms at
the top, as seen by the itty-bitty stem at the top. If I can capture photos of this particular cactus
with blooms, I will surely add those photos to this page.
-The photo and commentary was contributed by Steve Garufi in Buena Vista, Colorado. His personal web site
is www.ColoradoGuy.com.
(Written August 2006)
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