There are several events that happen only during the monsoon — saguaro fruit ripen and are picked, Sonoran Desert toads come out of hibernation, and a particular cactus blooms for one special night.
Tohono Chul Park has the largest private collection of this cactus, named peniocereus gregii, or better known as "Queen of the Night," in the United States. This afternoon, the park announced on its facebook page that its annual Bloom Night might be upon us this weekend:
The Queen says. check your email everyday this weekend! Bloom Night is really close, according to Lee Mason, Tohono Chul's Director of General Services. The change in the buds this week has been amazing. Lee checked every bud twice this morning and believes we will see the bloom within the next 3 days. All of the buds are over 140mm in length and displaying some imminent bloom signs. So . . . check your e-mail regularly so you don't miss the call; it has been as late as 3pm on the afternoon of the bloom in the past, but most often by noon. The Queen thanks you for your patience!
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To stay up-to-date, register here to receive Tohono Chul's Bloom Watch updates by email. The 49-acre park at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, is north of West Ina Road just west of North Oracle Road.
Bloom Night will be free for members and children age 12 and under. There is a $5 admission for non-members. A raffle will by held for one Queen of the Night plant, though others will be available for purchase,
