The magnificent saguaro cactus can grow to astounding heights, anywhere from 15 to 50 feet and they live for a very long time, an estimated 200 years! However, they have an amazingly shallow root system to support such grand heights and weights. Sometimes they need a little help, especially those that have been transplanted into a garden setting. I spotted this one at Encanto park being supported so that it won’t topple over.
The flower of the saguaro is the state flower of Arizona. Hopefully in the spring I’ll be able to capture a few blossoms to share with you.
7 comments:
Wow! This is abig saguaro! You know I love cacti! :-)
My daughter just did her state report on Arizona (1st grade) and talked about the root system. I just showed her this picture, she'd never seen anything like that before.
I wonder how old this one is?
Have one in my front yard with the same problem. They take so long to grow that you don't want to lose one.
I beg your forgiveness for my cutting and pasting – yet constantly reworking – this comment, but there was no way on Earth I would be able to make it around the whole globe to wish everybody a Merry Christmas otherwise.
Yes, I am but a mere mortal. The magical elves that constitute my staff have demonstrated their lack of respect in either not showing up for work at all, and those that have all seem a little worse for wear, if you catch my drift. All they seem to do is sit around smoking, playing cards and telling dirty jokes! Consequently, the reindeer are all filthy and out of shape. And you know, the wallabies just don’t cut it as replacements.
Anyway, from myself, Henry and Ezra, have a Merry Christmas/Winter Solstice/Hanukkah/Festivus and a happy New Year!
I hope that all of your holiday photos turn out to be triumphs, your stocking is stuffed full of lots of tasty treats and not coal and that all your pumpkin pies are all as sweet as you like them.
I miss all the cacti. Thanks!
Dirty Jobs just did an episode on Saguaro Cactus movers, specifically the Moralez Ranch in Congress. Was very funny to us since my husband grew up with them and spent a lot of time out there.
Interesting to see how they brace those 4 arm cactus and get them safely down the road. I had no idea it was such an ordeal!
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