Sharp contrast

Did you know that cacti are native only to the Americas? Growing from Patagonia to British Columbia, there are 1,750 known species. These dynamic and unusual plants have been utilized throughout human history for countless purposes, from medicinal and decorative to mind-altering, psychoactive journeys. In the arid high desert of the Four Corners, it’s not uncommon to encounter prickly pear, cholla, hedgehog and a few other varieties out on the trails. But not too far south is the Sonoran Desert, a sanctuary for all things cactus. Here’s an up close look at a few common (and bizarre) varieties captured during a recent tour through one of the most biodiverse deserts on the planet.