Vandalized Cacti Healing

It seems there's something about cacti that's almost fetishistic.

Protected species are constantly being stolen* in the desert areas around Mesilla. They have a compelling attraction for many people.

Cacti vandalism** is also fairly common.

It may be something of a challenge to stomp a barrel cactus.

There is no challenge to stomping a spineless cactus.

As noted in this post, a stand of Burbank Spineless Cactus next to an old adobe in Doña Ana was recently vandalized. Here's a photo of the damage:

The plant has begun to recover, as you can see here:

You can see the necrotic tissue here:

and here:

The new growth is producing blossoms:


*"Cactus rustling" -- an euphemism for a criminal enterprise that yields millions of dollars according to some sources.

**Is there a psychoanalytic term for this? Cactiphobia? Cactiandry? Cactisogyny? Cactisadism?

Tags: Spineless Cactus, Luther Burbank