Beavertail Cactus Accessory Pouch
The flowers of the beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) get their vivid colors from a type of pigment known to only a few plant families. Although this cactus’ lack of spines give it a benign look, the cactus is well armored: thousands of hairlike spines—called glochids—appear in circular patches on the pale blue-green pads.
The oversized image on this handy accessory pouch was painted by botanical artist and local legend A.R. Valentien. He was commission by local philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1908 to illustrate the botanical diversity of California. Over the next 10 years, he produced nearly 1,100 watercolor plant portraits, which are now housed in The Nat’s Research Library. This eye-catching, flat pouch with zip closure can be used for collecting and toting pretty much anything. Made of polyester with non-woven laminate interior. Small size measures approximately 8.25” x 6” and large measures approximately 11.5” x 8. 25”.