Is that purple Opuntia? I have that...and I can't believe it isn't more popular. It is one of the best performers I have! And such fun, interesting colors!

I didn't have good luck with mine. Probably too humid here.

Mark, those are some interesting looking cacti. I have cared much for cacti because of the spines. But, I received some cuttings from you and that has peaked my interest. I now stop to smell the roses, that is, stop to admire the thorns and beauty and complexity of shapes of the plants and have a better appreciation for them. for sharing your trip and your love of gardening with us. But I notice that this is entitled 2nd trip . . . do you have a link to the first? I can't recall seeing photos of the 1st. Or maybe I saw them and didn't realize that they were yours.

Hetty, the purple variety has been a major success for some reason here. Maybe it's just luck, because I'm just as hot and humid as you!

dont think i have any photos of first trip that was more a mark naming convention then anything else, it was my second trip to desert aire ever.
one of them does seem to have a purple tinge to it
i only found desert aire because there is a bar right off the road above the Columbia river. Google it brings up no cactus images, at least until i put this post up.