Saguaro (scientific name Carnegiea gigantea) is a large, tree-like cactus in the monotypic genus Carnegiea. He is a permanent resident for the Sonoran Desert in the US state of Arizona, in the Mexican state of Sonora, in a small part of Baja California in the San Felipe Desert.
Saguaro cactus size
Saguaros is a long-liver. The growth rate of saguaros is highly dependent on rainfall. Some specimens can live over 150 years. The largest cactus in the world is Saguaro. It grows in Maricopa County, Arizona. He is 13.8 meters tall and 3.1 meters in girth.
It grows slowly from seed, not from cuttings. Whenever it rains, saguaros soak up the rainwater. The cactus expands noticeably, holding on to rainwater. It conserves water and consumes it slowly.
The cactus in the photo is estimated to be over 200 years old, with a circumference of 2.4 meters and a height of 14 meters. The largest cactus in the world in a photo from a trip to Mexico.
Lifespan
Saguaro is one of the largest cacti inthe world. It grows most often in deserts. The cycle of life begins with the sprouted 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 at about 125 years of age. The saguaro can live from 150 to 200 years. In height reaches up to 15 meters. Its growth is quite slow: only one meter for a period of 20-30 years. The cactus reaches its maximum size at the age of 75.
The plant has a huge weight, which can be about 8 tons. 80% of the composition of the cactus is water. Saguaro is a very "tricky" plant. During growth, it hides under trees and shrubs to protect itself from wind and sun. It also absorbs all the water and nutrients from the soil, so that other plants have no chance to survive, and they die. The saguaro can become oversaturated with moisture and burst from the inside.
Description of the plant
Cactus is characterized by a cover of "hair" in the apical region and large spines. The cactus blooms with white flowers with a yellow center. Their number can be up to 200 pieces. The buds open only at night, so as not to suffer from the sun. Then the pollination process takes place.
Flowers with a sweet and strong fragrance attract a large number of birds. Many of them feed on the flowers and fruits of the Saguaro, and some even settle in it. It does not harm the cactus, but on the contrary, it helps to get rid of pests and diseases associated with parasites. to the biggestcactus in the world are not afraid of strong desert winds. Its roots are small, but at the same time deeply fixed in stony soil. Thanks to this, the plant, although it sways, is not damaged.
Where does the world's largest cactus live?
If you want to see the real Saguaro, 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 up to imprisonment will follow.
Saguaro is a rare plant of the green world. Its gigantic dimensions delight and fascinate. Like any other plant, the cactus feeds through its roots. Moisture then enters through the xylem and phloem. These are tubes that carry nutrients and water.
What makes the Saguaro cactus unique?
- The Saguaro cactus is unique, if only in that it reaches maturity in a monotonous, dry, extreme, harsh, hostile, monotonous environment.
- Cactus can reach considerable sizes and live for more than 150 years.
- No large animal eats Saguaro. The spiny cactus is usually the choice of many small animals.
- The Saguaro cactus has red fruits, edible and fragrant - people and wild animals are not averse to feasting on them. Fruit does 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 store water for long periods of time.
