Some cactus flowers form long tubes (up to 30 centimeters) so only certain species of moths can reach the nectar, and therefore pollinate the blossoms. There are also specializations for species of bats, hummingbirds and bees. The duration of flowering is highly variable. Some flowers, such as those of Selenicereus grandiflorus (Queen of the Night), are only fully open for two hours at night, while other species may flower for a whole week. Most cacti are self-incompatible, and thus require a pollinator. A few are autogamous and are able to pollinate themselves. The flower itself has also undergone a further development: the ovary tends to be highly protected by thorns, hairs and scales.
This plant unites very well both of our concepts, the green part of the cactus is very resistant because of its thick shell, while the flowers represent the more weaker and fragile part of the plant. At teh same time the cactus' thorns act as a defense mechanism for its flowers, making the fragile flower robust.
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