Look but don't touch!

Sharp needles adorn this cactus, protecting it from being eaten. The water droplets are from rain.
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A closer view. Ouch!
Click to enlarge.

Cactus!

It looks soft and furry but...


... dare touch and those tiny feather-like tenticles will pass through your skin more-or-less unimpeded. Once inside, tiny bits break off and itch for days.


A little more obvious, the needles protruding from this one would happily penetrate a finger and draw blood.


Mean though they may be, cacti produce some amazingly delicate and beautiful flowers.


Looking almost plastic, this yellow bloom contains a sweet nectar.


A bee dips in for lunch.


Almost like a flame, one of these blooms practically glows in this side view.