slathered on, layer after layer haha

It is a dangling frond from a limb of that background tree... Had to hold it still with one hand... These shots are just me playing around trying to find anything in the intense mid-day high sun.

Good one! Love the long shadows and contrast. Great in b&w.

Wow, colour on steroids

Is this a descending frond from the tree behind? If it is, then the background fits, but if not, then the tree is a bit distracting for me.

Amazing. You're going to have a fine album of colourful desert flowers.

Beautiful tree form, served well by your central placement, and enhanced by the network of shadows.

Fab curves and some slight mystery form the blur, very good.

Reminds me of the Fibonacci spiral! Nice one.

Reckon you made the best call here, the curved forms have a very strong presence. 2066 is my runner up for its lighter finish.