Areas of Clare Cup Cactus can be seen along Dune Drive as you enter White Sands National Monument.
The Claret Cup Cactus is the first cactus to bloom in the desert beginning in April through June. Their beautiful scarlet flowers last from three to five days and unlike other cacti, they stay open all through the night. Humming Birds are the primary pollinators of the Claret Cup. The red fruits and stems are edible. Some Native Americans collect the flower stems burn off the spines and mash them. After adding sugar they bake the sweet cakes. |
