Saguaro (scientific name Carnegiea gigantea) is a large, tree-like cactus in the monotypic genus Carnegiea. He is a permanent resident of the Sonoran desert in the US state of Arizona, in the Mexican state of Sonora, in a small part of lower California in the San Felipe desert.
Saguaro Cactus Dimensions
Saguaros is a long-liver. The growth rate of saguaros is highly dependent on precipitation. Some specimens can live more than 150 years. The largest cactus in the world is Saguaro. It grows in Maricopa County, Arizona. Its height is 13.8 meters, and in girth it is 3.1 meters.
It grows slowly from seeds, not from cuttings. Whenever it rains, saguaros soak up rainwater. Cactus expands markedly, holding in rainwater. It conserves water and slowly consumes it.
The cactus in the photo is estimated to be over 200 years old, its circumference is 2.4 meters, height - 14 meters. The largest cactus in the world in a photo from a trip to Mexico.
Life span
Saguaro is one of the largest cacti in the world. It grows most often in deserts. The cycle of life begins with a germinated seed. By the time he is 35 years old, he begins to bloom, and at the age of 70 he develops branches. Plants reach full maturity by approximately 125 years. Saguaro can live from 150 to 200 years. In height reaches up to 15 meters. Its growth is quite slow: only one meter a period of 20-30 years. The maximum size of the cactus reaches the age of 75 years.
The plant has a huge weight, which can be about 8 tons. 80% of the cactus is water. Saguaro is a very "cunning" plant. During growth, he hides under trees and shrubs to protect himself from the wind and the sun. It also absorbs all water and nutrients from the soil, so that other plants have no chance to survive, and they die. Saguaro can be oversaturated with moisture and burst from the inside.
Plant description
A cactus is characterized by a “hair” cover in the apical region and large spines. Cactus blooms with white flowers with a middle of yellow. Their number can be up to 200 pieces. The buds are opened only at night, so as not to suffer from the sun. Then the pollination process takes place.
Flowers with a sweet and strong aroma attract a large number of birds. Many of them feed on the flowers and fruits of Saguaro, and some even settle in it. This does not harm the cactus, but on the contrary, it helps to get rid of pests and diseases associated with parasites. The largest cactus in the world is not afraid of strong desert winds. Its roots are small, but at the same time deeply fixed in stony soil. Thanks to this, although the plant sways, it is not damaged.
Where does the largest cactus in the world live?
If you want to see Saguaro in reality, then welcome to Mexico! In Arizona there is a reserve for huge species of cacti. In parks, plants are under the strictest protection. In case of damage to plants, punishment will be followed up to imprisonment.
Saguaro is a rare plant in the green world. Its gigantic dimensions delight and fascinate. Like any other plant, a cactus eats through its roots. Moisture then flows through the xylem and phloem. These are tubes that carry nutrients and water.
What is unique about Saguaro cactus?
- Saguaro Cactus is unique at least in that it reaches maturity in a uniform, dry, extreme, harsh, hostile, monotonous environment.
- Cactus is able to reach considerable size and live more than 150 years.
- Not a single large animal eats Saguaro. Prickly pear cactus is usually the choice of many small animals.
- Saguaro cactus has red fruits, edible and fragrant - people and wild animals do not mind eating them. The fruits do not appear until the cactus is at least 40 years old.
- Saguaro does not bloom for the first 35-40 years.
- Saguaro is one of the largest cactus species on the planet that can retain water for long periods of time.