![Potted Cactuses](http://www.liketellingthetruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cactuses-in-pots-e1368863872745.jpg)
We have some cactuses growing in pots on our back terrace. They are pretty and harmless, unless touched … or, so I’d thought. I had never really looked at them up close until recently. Robin took some photos of them out in the sunshine, thinking that I might enjoy them, and looking at the results made me realise two things: firstly, that I really like the aesthetics of cactuses, which I’d never thought much about until then; secondly, that we are harbouring an alien colony, which may or may not be planning to destroy us.
Nevertheless, they are tiny, so I think we don’t have to worry just yet. Having said that, anyone who ever read The Day of the Triffids understands that all it takes is a random catastrophe to strike humanity, permanently weakening our capacity for self-defense, in order for botanical horrors to take over our planet. And to think that people have been worrying about zombies all this time.
This one is pretty, I think …
And these little suckers are going to get us one of these days …
If you don’t believe me, look at the close-up …
![Alien Colony Closeup](http://www.liketellingthetruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Alien-Closeup.jpg)
I’m pretty sure the one on the left is the Leader. He looks authoritative, even if he’s bit freaked out from being photographed.
![Alien Colony Leader](http://www.liketellingthetruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Alien-Leader.jpg)
So the next time you are admiring your favourite succulents, you might consider snapping off those creepy little ETs popping out all over them. If not, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The classic survival guide to botanical world domination …
![Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham](http://www.liketellingthetruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Day-of-the-Triffids-Wyndham.jpg)
Furthermore, at the risk of sounding udderly paranoid, I think it’s best not to turn our backs on our bovine companions, either. I’d advise you to stop eating them, too. I think they bear a grudge, and who can blame them? Report here http://www.firstpr.com.au/show-and-tell/homeland-security/