Adopt a Cactus and Help Asombro Share the Wonder of Science!
“Adopt” a cactus, and receive a beautiful framed photo and certificate to serve as a reminder that you helped bring the wonder of the desert to young students in our region.
Choose one of the adoption levels below by clicking on the donation button and receive the photo of your chosen species taken by Las Cruces Photographer, Lisa Mandelkern. Send the photo to yourself or share as a gift.
Corncob Cactus
$60 Donation
Corncob cactus tends to be about six inches tall. The pale pink flowers appear in late spring to early summer. It can often be found with lechugilla, a local agave plant, and in limestone-rich areas. It is native to southern New Mexico, west Texas, and northern Mexico.
Claret Cup Cactus
$100 Donation
Claret cup cactus is a common species that occurs in a wide variety of desert habitats throughout the southwestern US and Mexico. It can stand up to 16 inches tall. The striking flowers range from red to orange and emerge in late spring or early summer.
Fendler's Hedgehog Cactus
$250 Donation
Fendler’s hedgehog cactus tends to be found on south-facing hillsides throughout much of the Southwest US and northern Mexico. The magenta or purple flowers bloom in late spring or early summer, and the cactus can be up to 12 inches tall.
Turk's Head Cactus
$500 Donation
Turk’s head cactus occurs throughout the desert, particularly on limestone substrates. The bright pink to magenta flowers bloom mostly in June but will bloom again later if rain occurs.
How Your Support Helps
The Chihuahuan Desert lies within the Central Plateau of Mexico and extends north into Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and Trans-Pecos Texas. It is an extremely diverse desert, rich in animal and plant life. More than 3,500 plant species can be found in the region and approximately 1,000 of these can only be found in the Chihuahuan Desert. One of the most characteristic types of desert plants is the cactus, and this region is home to more than 350 species. The Asombro Institute for Science Education is dedicated to sharing the wonder of this incredible ecosystem with local students through engaging, place-based education. By donating you are helping in that mission and we thank you!