Night Blooming-Cereus. Although these cacti are not native to Arizona (they’re from South America), they are frequently used in desert landscaping around here. This photo might tell you why. They bloom at night in the springtime, and the blossoms usually last just one night and are wilted by noon the next day. But while they’re open, they’re glorious!

Tech info: Nikon D850 camera with Tamron 28-75mm lens at 75mm, 1/15 sec. at f16, ISO 250. 8 focus-stacked images merged and blended in Zerene Stacker software for maximum depth of field.

Image ©2020 James D. Peterson