Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to stick in 'withering orb' Cres, I wrote this after visiting the Saguaro National Forest outside of Tucson, AZ. Coming from New England, it seemed rather barren even though on closer scrutiny it is teeming with life. I was there in November so most ofhte wild life was not visible. There are a variety of pale greens and it is quite beautiful. Yes, prickly is an under statement!