Late summer Coryphantha glory

This 3-inch, pink and magenta bloom surprised your guest contributor (Sentient Meat) this week, a shining beacon from the patio rooftop where it was living with a few other sun-soaked and slightly neglected cacti and succulents. The bud had gone overlooked, but it was impossible to overlook this flower. This is the first time I've seen this cactus in bloom. It was purchased without a label, but I believe it's Coryphantha elephantidens. I love the color gradient from light pink at the edge the petals to deep magenta at the center tips.

After such a attention-grabbing display, the plant was moved to a more sheltered existence on the deck. Sometimes it pays to show off.