First Flower on the Key Tree Cacti
There is a first flower on Pilosocereus robinii – Key tree cactus (Lower Matecumbe Key). It is a magical week at Cactus Island. Many more areole swellings are forming on this one of the two six-year-old giants. The Big Pine Key plants (bottom-right photo) from the second of two genetic groups are making me think now that those too will be producing buds in two or three years, at this rate of growth. Outcrossing between the two main gene pools is the best practice for propagating this species by seed. The frame on this garden is ready for plastic and propane heat in preparation for the coming winter.
jvfreeman
James V. Freeman is an established visual artist (oil painting) with a deep interest in natural history, plants and farming. He has had numerous solo shows, a solo museum show, an upcoming museum show and his work has been featured in many publications to date. He currently has a studio in Williston, Fl at the family farm and homestead, "Cactus Island", and as a farmer, specializes in growing columnar cacti of the Caribbean and Gulf countries as well as the aquatic Madegascar Lace Plant. James and his mom Sharon manage and develop the permaculture homestead.
