The saguaro cactus , otherwise known as Carnegiea gigantea , is one of the most recognizable cacti around , specially in the Sonoran Desert . It is also the great cactus in North America . With tall column and multiple blazon that bend up , this cactus bloom large white peak in the belated springtime season and toothsome cerise yield in the summer . Saguaros can produce large with up to 25 arms , and know as long as 150 to 200 years . An medium old Saguaro has around five arms and is about 30 foot tall .

Range

The Saguaro cactus grows exclusively in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona , northwestern Mexico , and sporadically in southeast California . It favour flats and slopes , especially when they are very rocky with drop .

Growth Form

The main column grows to 24 inches in diameter and is fluted , sometimes becoming smaller at the very base . The large arms curl upwards are what relieve oneself the cactus so recognizable in the desert . The flesh is smooth , waxy and squashy , and the spines grow about two in long . A defining machine characteristic of the Saguaro is the way it absorbs water , expanding like an accordion . It can increase its weight unit by a ton .

When young , the Saguaro grows under a " nurse " tree or shrub for protection , and then proceeds to grow extremely slow , sometimes not even a full inch in one class . The very shallow stem organisation is supported by one master tap ascendant that is about three feet long . From this rootage , more shallow roots span out that do n’t ordinarily go deep than one foot , while other small radial roots grow out almost to the space of the saguaro ’s height . The roots ground onto stone and other expectant roots for lend anchorage ground .

Blooming and Flowers

The Saguaro produces prominent , creamy white-hot flowers from May to June that mature about three inch in diam , outward from a four - column inch - long tube . The flowers open up at nighttime when it is cool and close-fitting during the red-hot part of the daytime . A cluster of chickenhearted stamen grow in a circular pattern on top of the tube before the bloom pop up , producing a sweet ambrosia that draw in hummingbird , bat , birds and louse , provide cross - pollination . The Saguaro has more stamen per flower than any other desert cactus .

The flowers on the Saguaro do n’t bloom all at once over the course of a calendar month ; they average about 200 blooming per night .

Habitat

Saguaros need proper water and clime . They ca n’t grow too high-pitched up on a mountain , or cooler atmosphere or frost may stamp out it . The cactus thrives mainly during the rainy season and retain the wet class - round . Saguaros can grow in mellow heat , but can not abide frost .

Uses

From shelter to cookery , the Saguaro cactus has a mountain chain of uses and benefit . The three - column inch - long , oblong , light-green yield that ripens just before the rainy time of year is savored by many desert beast . The inside is juicy , ruby - reddened and filled with pulp and seeds . Native Americans used this yield and succus for cooking and medicinal intention . The yield has over 4,000 seeds . The social structure of the Saguaro is also utile for construction purpose . The woody stem are whippy and durable , and can be used for fence , furniture , roofs or walls . Native Americans used the stems to make baskets as well . The chassis of the cactus can be eaten also , but it is difficult to prepare and usually requires dehydration .

References

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