WELCOME TO
CACTUS DATA PLANTS & ANASAZI DREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
55 Years of Photography Around the World
The Cactus Data Plants & Anasazi Dream Photography website connects people with the knowledge and photography of Wendell S. (Woody) Minnich, veteran international field explorer of the cactaceae and other succulents. Our mission here is twofold: to provide clients with a dynamic selection of beautiful photography, and to serve as an in-depth guide for knowledge of cacti and other succulents. We cater to seasoned collectors and first time buyers alike, so browse our collection and send any inquiries our way.
ABOUT WENDELL S. (WOODY) MINNICH
Teacher, Explorer and Founder of CDP & ADP Since 1975
Woody, as he is commonly known, grew up in the Mojave Desert in the 1950's. He developed a fascination to desert plants animals, geology, indigenous peoples, and nature photography from an early age. He has been involved with the cactus and succulent world as a grower, field explorer, club and organization leader, writer, photographer, lecturer and presenter.
Having been a speaker all over the world, Woody is most often associated with giving presentations on his field work from the wild and wonderful places he has traveled, such as: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, Socotra, South Africa, the United States and Yemen. He is also recognized for having operated the nursery Cactus Data Plants since 1975. His favorite plant genera include: Adenium, Ariocarpus, Astrophytum, Copiapoa, Cyphostemma, Fouquieria, Gymnocalycium, Lithops, Mammillaria, Melocactus, Pachypodium, Turbinicarpus, Uebelmannia, and Pachycauls in general.
He has published numerous articles and reviews in various journals (CSSA) and his photography is featured in many books including; “The Copiapoa” (Schulz), “The Mammillaria Handbook” (Pilbeam), “The Cactus Lexicon” (Hunt & Charles), “The Xerophile” (Kaplon, Martin, & Morera), as well as many others. He is also featured in select electronic articles about conservation and his field work.
Woody and his wife, Kathy live in Cedar Grove, New Mexico. He is a retired secondary school teacher of 32 years where he taught Graphics, Art and Architecture. In the cactus and succulent hobby, Woody is recognized for his high energy, obsessive field work, and creative spirit. As an educator, he has become an important part of the hobby and thus is an honorary life member of thirteen cactus & succulent societies. With 51 years in the hobby and 64 years in the field (old fart), he has many experiences to share and numerous photos to show.
"Life is so precious, it must be a dream. I spend a few moments in reality. I used to think there must be a scheme, a rhyme and rhythm for everything..."