Arizona's Sonoran Desert - definitely not Alabama

apartment building for birds

This cactus is in Phoenix's desert botanical garden. Birds like to nest in the cavities seen near the top of the plant.
saguaro cactus

The saguaro cactus lives for many years. Some are estimated to be 200 years old.
No Trespassing

Like a bed of dangerous serpants, this cactus snakes across the ground at the desert botanical garden. Trespassers, beware!
boojum tree

The tall, spiky plant is called a boojum tree. It acquires foliage after rainfall. During dry spells, it sheds its leaves, leaving a naked plant that looks dead, but is very much alive.
colorful cactus

Many cactus have colorful blooms.
another pretty cactus

This is called a barrel cactus.
another view of the desert botanical garden

Prickly pear and organ pipe cactus grow in this area of the desert botanical garden.
teddy bear cholia

Ouch! This teddy bear does not want to be cuddled.
the Sonoran Desert

The red rocks and cactus are typical of the Sonoran Desert.
entry to desert botanical garden

I had to look twice. The yellow cactus is man-made of glass. The sculpture was crafted by Dale Chihuly and is called Desert Towers. It fits in perfectly with the real cactus.