Cactus of the Month: Astrophytum
Succulent of the Month: Sedum (inc. Phedimus), Pachyphytum, Sempervivum

PRESENTER FOR AUGUST IS:  Russel Ray –“Nature’s Geometry: Succulents”

Russel uses the Fibonacci sequence of numbers to look at the shape of plants, the number of plant ribs, the number of spines in areoles, golden angles, phyllotaxis (the divergence angle), golden triangles, Fibonacci triangles, golden squares, golden rectangles, circles, fractals, and, most fascinating to him, golden spirals. He brings a selection of live succulents showing nature’s geometry and will have copies for sale of his just-published book, “Nature’s Geometry: Succulents” a soft-cover book with over 600 pictures in 174 pages, discounted to $25 at the meeting.

Russel is from Kingsville, Texas, where he was born and raised by his paternal grandmother and has lived in the San Diego area since April 1993. He has been self-employed his entire life, mostly as a “serial entrepreneur” specializing in getting companies through startup and growth phases. He has worked or owned businesses in grocery export, antique restoration, roofing, landscaping, international & wireless telecommunications, heating & cooling, computer sales, writing & editing, typing & desktop publishing, construction, real estate agent, real estate investing & renovating, project management, business consultant, home inspector, photographer, and author.

A short Russel Ray timeline:
1962—Received his first plant, a heartleaf ivy (Philodendron cordatum), from his first grade teacher.
1966—Got started in photography as a volunteer elementary school events photographer.
1968—Created a 100-square-foot cactus rock garden in his grandmother’s yard.
1973—Became fascinated with the Fibonacci sequence of numbers and how they are expressed in nature.
2017—Retired and started learning the scientific names for all his favorite plants.