Morning blossom, and a surprise

Hello, everyone.

We found this little beauty at the entrance to Bentsen Park today:

Tulipan, a native hibiscus of northern Mexico and southern Texas

 And here was the surprise:

 Can you see the thing that doesn't belong, way up at the top of that tree? Here is a close-up:

Opuntia, AKA prickly pear cactus or nopal

You really never know where a cactus seed will sprout. The birds are very fond of the egg-shaped red fruits, called tunas, and they scatter seeds all over the place. This is, however, the first time I have ever seen one of these sprouting in tree bark.