Southwestern plants have overcome such a harsh climate and barren land that just to see them seems a miracle. Indeed, it is a miracle. Rainfalls, which occur winters and summers, range from a couple of inches a year to, very occasionally, twenty-some inches. Some plants' seeds can wait decades to germinate, and then go from sprouting to full bloom within a few days. Other plants, most common are the cacti, can survive months without water. In addition, the area’s soil is so arid that most plants from the rest of the United States cannot survive here. Interestingly, much of desert's life depends on the dramatic mountain ranges that burst from its flat-seeming expanses.

This corner of Arizona lies in the Chihuahuan Desert, one that is slightly cooler than the other two southwestern deserts, the Sonoran and Mojave. The Myrtle Kraft Cottage lies at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains where the terrain and climate moves from desert to high forest within a few miles, thus offering a tremendous range of plant life.

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As plants go cacti are young, beginning only 35 to 50 thousand years ago, and are thought to have evolved from the rose. To adapt to desert life, the cacti became leafless, water-holding succulents loaded with protective spines. When blooming they are magnificent. Some, particularly the shorter varieties, are nocturnal bloomers. Many of the larger, more conspicuous ones bloom during the day and their flowers last for several days. While the larger ones in this area (such as the cholla and prickly pear) can’t be missed, the smaller ones like the hedgehog, pincushion, or even the barrel cactus need an observing eye to be found.

By clicking on any of the photos below, you can see a larger version of the photo and sighting information.