Old Man Cactus with flower bud ready to blossom.

Caught sight of this the other day and made a point of returning at night to try and catch some photos of the flower. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried over the years and this is only the second time I’ve seen the cactus flower. The Old Man Cactus (local name) is also named the Bahama Dildo. It only flowers at night and has fragrant satiny white flowers. Here’s a selection of photos taken on the hill at Harbour Club Villas and Marina.

What a gorgeous looking flower with satin like petals.

The flower attracts butterflies and other insects and there’s one in this photo….a weevil of some kind

Tufts of white hairy material that looks like an old man’s beard hence the name.

Fragrant and a favorite source of nectar for butterflies and insects.

The wool is often gathered by birds as it makes an ideal nesting material.

The Dildo Cactus (Cephalocereus millspaughii) is the most common cactus found in the Turks & Caicos.

A type of weevil feeding on the cactus flower.

I loved seeing this spectacular flower but I must say it was tricky to photograph in the dark. I’m hoping you too will get a chance to see one in bloom. Well worth it though.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com