Sponsors
theHeart

We are attempting to be and do church in a simple way.

Sunday Gatherings - 10:30am theTheater in the New Watauga School


www.theheart.us

Put the TREAT back in RETREAT!
Laurel Ridge Camp & Conference Center invites groups of all kinds to use our beautiful lodging facilities for your next retreat. We offer private cabins and lodges as well as a 48 bedroom conference center. Visit our website to learn more or contact our office to make a reservation today!
laurelridge.org
Nordic PC
The High Country's Windows 7 Headquarters

We've just finished updating the site so that you can customize your PC just the way you like it. Come by and spec out an Odin, Thor, Loki, Njord or Magni system today!
Usually done same-day!

nordic-pc.com, 828-263-8359
Petstyle Salon & Fetching Ridge Pet Hotel
PETSTYLE SALON HAS A NEW LOCATION!! We are also proud to announce the grand opening of Fetching Ridge Pet Hotel. We are now taking appointments!! Please call for directions.
(828) 264-8766 or (828) 964-1119, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m
FSBOs/Property Sellers! FLAT FEE MLS = Save $1,000's in Commissions
Alternative Realty is a cost effective way to sell your house or land. An Alternative to High Commission Brokers. Virtual Tours, Showing Feedback, Buyer's Rebates & More! Saving Clients Money Since 2005. Call 828-719-6077.
Highcountryflatfee.com

Life Outdoors
Make Text Larger Make Text Smaller Switch Fonts Email This Page Click Here For A Printable Version
Media Sponsors







Sponsorship Opportunity
Available




Night Blooming Cereus
by Brenda Hoss

Latest Update: August 13, 2010


Night Blooming Cereus. Photo by Brenda Hoss

Although not a "wildflower" in our area, the Night-blooming Cereus, also called Queen of the night, Reina de la noche, lunar flower, moon flower and luna flower, is a wildflower in the desert and is native to the Sonoran Desert in North America.

In the desert, the plant grows as a thin, almost dead looking stick from a single stem in the ground. In our homes here in the mountains, they are obviously cactii and have long broad, flat "leaves" from which the pods develop and bloom. That "stick" is also present. They bloom just one or two nights of the year and one has to be on his/her toes in order to catch the night bloom. They often stay open until the early morning hours, but then close up for another year. Beneath the ground is a large tuber, often the size of a watermelon, that was eaten by Indians and early settlers because of its nutritious content.

The photographed plant is in our office and had two pods to bloom. Both bloomed the same night, August 11, around 9:30 pm. By 8:30 am, both blooms had been spent and were hanging limply to the mother plant. Sigh.......waiting for next year...........


Huge blooms on a "strange" plant. Photo by Brenda Hoss


One Night Only! Opened around 9:30 pm and completely spent by 8:30 am.