Since the Saquaro cactus lives here where I am and in fact the largest ever recorded lived in Cave Creek, Az at 78 feet before it was toppled in 1986 by a windstorm; I thought I would give you some interesting facts about this plant.
It is very slow growing and in fact a 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall.
The reason it is able to survive in the desert is because it retains water and then uses it when needed. A fully hydrated cactus can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds.
Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends
The elf owl has been known to like to nest in them as well as sparrows and other creatures.
The spines of the cactus expand as it retains water, much like an accordion.....
It is very slow growing and in fact a 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall.
The reason it is able to survive in the desert is because it retains water and then uses it when needed. A fully hydrated cactus can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds.
Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends
down into the ground more than 2 feet.
They get their first flower at 35 years old
and their first arm at 60 years old. They can live up to 150 years +
The spines of the cactus expand as it retains water, much like an accordion.....
The Saquaro only grows in the Saquaro desert and perhaps the reason that this is such a famous picture for the my state of Arizona
6 comments:
Who'd have guessed?
... and here I thought I knew my cacti!
This is seriously fascinating; thanks for the share!
Interesting facts, many I didn't know.
I never knew they were that old and slow growing! Amazing!
your images make the cacti look stunning. if i were an owl, i'd pick someplace else ;)
I knew a few of these facts, but learned a few things, as well. I always love seeing these when we are out west!
Thanks for the interesting photos and info on the Saguaro. They are beautiful, I got to see them when we were in Arizona visiting friends.
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