Desert in Bloom

After several days of moderately-heavy rain the northern Chihuahuan Desert is in full blossom.  The first six images here are the flowers of the Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia genus, family Cactaceae).  The last three photos are the blossoms of the Cholla (pronounced "choy-ya), also a member of the Opuntia genus of cacti, one with cylindrical segments rather than flat pads like the Prickly Pear.