Despite surgery and picking, the cactus resists
Many years ago, more than I dare to remember, I bought a packet of cactus seeds after seeing mini cacti growing in “fancy” pots!
The plant centre no longer exists and I promise it had nothing to do with the cursing that followed that purchase.
Carefully adhering to the planting instructions on the packet, I placed the pregnant pot out of sight and promptly forgot about it. Months later I remembered my cacti seeds. My…how they had grown. The next stage was transplanting them into single larger pots, so that I could tuck them away again.
Later, to my surprise, two plants had shot up in protest at their abandon, and the rest unfortunately didn’t survive to see the light of day.
Now, 20 years later, I am unconditionally and secretly picking at the mini cacti growing out of my right forefinger. My left forefinger was successfully operated on years ago for the same problem. Somehow my right forefinger survived all medical attempts to oust it.
Cactus spines are produced by specialised structures and act as protection against herbivores in deserts….(plant pots included). The word cactus is derived from the Ancient Greek (kaktus).
The first acknowledgement of this spiny “pain” was when my son said “Mum, what’s that growing on your finger?” My son, whose own son is now in his early twenties, cannot believe that I still possess this painful eyesore. The NHS have given up too – the last visit was met with a rebuff. So, I too give up.
My advice to you all is: DON’T GET PRICKED BY A CACTUS.
Mary's Blog 