Picture of the day - October 27, 2005

Tree Cacti On The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are home to many species of plant and animal life that exist nowhere else on planet earth. Today's picture features one of these endemic plants: the "Tree Cactus" (Opuntia Echios). The Galapagos group is a cluster of desert islands located roughly on the equator about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and as in most deserts there are plenty of cacti on the Galapagos. The largest of these cacti are the famous Tree Cacti which grow up to 35 feet in height...making it the largest cactus species in the world!  There are about 600 other exotic plant species growing on the Galapagos along with many endemic species of mammals, reptiles and birds. 90 percent of the reptiles living in the Galapagos exist nowhere else, the most famous of these being the Giant Tortoises. Thousands of tourists flock to the islands every year, primarily to see these amazing animals - and it's easy to see them up close because living for eons without natural predators has left them with no fear of humans. If you enjoy seeing exotic plants and animals, a trip to the Galapagos Islands will allow you to see a land inhabited by many unique species that exist in only one place on the entire planet!   Picture Of The Day Homepage | Submit a photo Interesting Articles