Endless Forms Most Beautiful

ndless Forms Most Beautiful is a crested cactus garden that embodies both an aesthetic and medically transformative approach to cancer. The cacti in this garden have mutations in their meristem cells causing uncontrolled growths – by some definitions, cancer. The idea for this garden is to show that susceptibility to cancer is a fundamental part of all multicellular life, and that it is possible to live with cancer and cancer-like growths, as many of these cacti do. The planting is now installed and is still immature; a triangular space that, given time, will grow into a fully realized landscape. Additional cactus will be added as they are identified by The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Cactus Rescue Crew, which saves cactus and other natives across Arizona from development. It is envisioned as a place where people can engage with the science of cancer while simultaneously having a peaceful and grounding aesthetic experience with the crested cacti in the garden.