This Bud's For You

It was mid afternoon and I noticed the tubular flower bud (now about 7"/18cm) I had been watching grow since it was a tiny fuzz ball on the edge of the mammallaria was looking like it was ready to burst open.  I made a mental note to make sure I got up early the next morning to catch it.  I usually get only one crack a year at this flower and did not want to miss it.

I was stunned when just as the sun was setting I saw the flower open.  I took a whole bunch of photos of it.  I'm generally frustrated with myself when I fall a day or two behind in posting but this time I was glad because...
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