Cactus macro

[Cyclops]

Another route to macro for me is the use of an 8X loupe! Its not optically perfect as its plastic, but it allows me to get images i would otherwise have to pass on.
This is the very centre of an Astrophytum asterias, a very small cactus that is just a baby and has these very fluffy white areoles that one day, when he's all grown up, wil produce cute yellow flowers.

[Cyclops]

A very common plant revelas some interesting structures! These are found on the surface of pelargonium(geranium) leaves, and are slightly sticky-one for the microcscope I think!



Very narrow DOF here!

[rjlittlefield]

Very narrow DOF here!

Yep -- happens whenever you're imaging a small field.

Still, we can see a lot in these pictures. Looks like your geranium is fond of droplet-tipped setae. Any idea what the droplets are?

--Rik

[beetleman]

Not bad at all Cyclops. Just imagin if you get a loop with glass lenses. Yes, I see the droplets Also.

[salden]

Good capture. Now I will have to go out and take a closer look at my geranium.

[DaveW]

Looks as though not only will I now have to take flower and stem record shots of my circa 1000 cacti but will have to do macro shots of bits of them also!

Just need to get a bit more extension first though.

DaveW

[Cyclops]

Looks like your geranium is fond of droplet-tipped setae. Any idea what the droplets are?

--Rik

I think theyre the source of Geranium oil, which gives these plants their, err, distinctive smell! Which my partner hates!
I would imagine the oil is a deterrant for leaf eaters.Would certainly put me off!