3 types of fine wool visible on this closeup of Astrophytum asterias: a flower bud, areolar wool, and skin flecks (a common and variable trait within the genus).
Here's the whole plant, to put this in perspective.
Ah---I see now that it's a bit of a macro shot. I was wondering and thought this resembled wool dryer balls. Pretty amazing!
"My work is loving the world. Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird β equal seekers of sweetness. Here the clam deep in the speckled sand. Are my boots old? Is my coat torn? Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished." β Mary Oliver, from Messenger
