Giant Saguaro

Giant Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
Location: Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA

The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is a large tree-like cactus found in the Sonoran Desert.   In fact, the Saguaro cactus grows naturally only in the Sonoran Desert.

I took this photo while hiking in the Saguaro National Park, located in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Arizona.  According to information on the Saguaro National Park website:
An adult saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age. It may weigh 6 tons or more and be as tall as 50 feet. The average life span of a saguaro is probably 150 - 175 years of age. However, biologists believe that some plants may live over 200 years.
This specimen was about 20 feet tall.

2 comments:

Jinghui said...

Wow !

That's a Giant cactus ! The Arizona desert is not that barren after all ......

To see the desert in a different light instead of just sand .... silly me ......

BNS said...

Hi Jinghui - Yes, the Saguaros really do grow into giants. The Arizona desert is definitely not barren.

Bobbie