The
Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the defining plants of the Sonoran Desert. These plants are large, tree-like columnar cacti that develop branches (or arms) as they age, although some never grow arms. These arms generally bend upward and can number over 25. Saguaros are covered with protective spines, white flowers in the late spring, and red fruit in summer. Saguaros are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert. The most important factors for growth are water and temperature. If the elevation is too high, the cold weather and frost can kill the saguaro. With the right growing conditions, a saguaro can live to be 150 to 200+ years old. The saguaro blossom is the state wildflower of Arizona. Its scientific name is given in honor of Andrew Carnegie.
Arms are developed to increase the plant's reproductive capacity. Think about that the next time you see a big swinging cactus with many arms. Contrary to popular legend, there is no law mandating prison sentences of 25 years for cutting a cactus down; however, it is considered a class four felony.
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Tucson Mountain Park by
Paul Sager, on Flickr
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Arizona Backroads http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4613/39193038974_a21c1e6749_c.jpghttp://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/39903674421_d76de422d4_c.jpgOrgan Pipe National Monument -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Arizona Backroadshttp://farm5.staticflickr.com/4713/39903473971_8a19b7a482_c.jpghttp://farm5.staticflickr.com/4655/39870768332_7cbf5e84ab_c.jpgThe
Organpipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is a species of cactus native to Mexico and the United States. The cactus grows slowing and reaches maturity at about 150-years. They usually grow during April, May, and June. Their flowers are pollinated by bats producing a fruit about the size of a tennis ball. Beneath the fruit's spiny exterior is red flesh that has been described as tasting better than watermelon.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is the only place in the United States to see large stands of organ pipe cacti, though their range extends far south into Mexico. The monument encompasses the bulk of its U.S. population. Organ pipe cactus originated in the warm, dry tropics. When the global climate warmed at the end of the last Ice Age, the cactus slowly began migrating further north. It arrived in the Sonoran Desert only about 3500 years ago. The plant is a warmth
loving species that can be found on south facing rocky slopes in the monument. This location is critical during the winter months, when severe frosts can kill the entire cactus.
Organ Pipe National Monument http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/39004479745_9b46eff679_h.jpgOrgan Pipe National Monument http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4707/26030429878_95e1bec4ea_h.jpgOrgan Pipe National Monument http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4672/28123073899_3aa9053978_h.jpg