These are two cactus flower buds getting ready to blossom late in the evening. I think it’s called an Argentine Giant Cactus, and this species only blooms at night.

You’d probably never look twice at the cactus when it’s not in bloom, but during a 12-hour period these buds produce some of the most beautiful flowers you’ll ever see on the desert…if you’re lucky to spot them. They are about 4-5 inches in diameter. One of the many delicate beauties of the Sonoran Desert.

And, here’s the result of the all-night blooming glistening in the next morning’s sun. The blossom lasted about five hours after sunrise and then withered away. The left over bloom was later plucked off the cactus and eaten by a passing javelina which seem to love these tasty morsels. Nothing’s wasted in the desert.