The Saga of the Saguaro - Part I:

[lindyannajones]

Question: Saguaro you today?

As I was preparing to share some rose shots I realized that the Saguaros are blooming and I thought you might enjoy seeing them. instead. Roses grow worldwide but Saguaros are limited to the Sonoran Desert which extends from the extreme Southeast corner of California, the southern part of Arizona and Northern Mexico. I will post photos of the Saguaro in bloom in the next few days but today I'll just give you an overview.

For those of you who might be interested, I've also prepared a little more information on this mighty giant of the our desert which you will find on the bottom of this post after these three photos.

This first collage just acquaints you with the Saguaro. Notice the Saguaro "Forest" in the bottom left-hand shot.




This Palo Verde Tree, called a "Nurse Tree", has been sheltering this Saguaro for quite some time. The cactus has not yet developed an arm, so it is not yet 75 years old but it has blooms, so it is at least 35 years old. You will notice it has also become a nesting spot for this White-winged dove. All summer long, he will be posing this vocal question: Who cooks for you-oo?



This photo was taken last spring at Organ Pipe National Park. Consider this photo part of my effort to clear up the "desert-is-just-sand" myth. The yellow plant is called a Brittle Bush. These Saguaros grow in the typical evenly-scattered pattern on hillsides.



Saguaro 101: The average Saguaro grows to 30' (9 m) and typically has 5 arms, however, the tallest Saguaro on record is 15 m or 50 feet. They can weight 6-8 tons or 16,990 liters. This is about the weight of 5 cars. Cars, however, were not even invented when many of the cactus you see in the first photo were ankle high. On average, they live 150-175 years. Each Saguaro will produced 40 million seeds in its life time. Yes. This information will be on the test.

[Sheriliz]

This is my hands down favorite set. I love the desert.

[fstopMike]

Lindy, 8 tons? I had no idea....thanks for all the information!

[Fred flyfisher]

Great stuff Lindy. I remember how impressed I was the first time I saw a Saguaro in person. Your pictures are beautiful as usual and the text very informative. I had no idea they grew that large or lived that long. Thanks!

[FDCPR]

Very beautiful photos, and a great post. I learned a lot, thanks.

[Sir Alain]

Outstanding work, as usual Lindy!

[beachcomber]

Lindy, your style is unique, your talent is undeniable, your enthusiasm is infectious, and your pictures are gorgeous

beachcomber
People who who live in deserts, do it near the Saguaro.

[eugenem]

fascinating shots --and interesting info--thanks for sharing

[pjflan7]

I believe that I have passed these a number of times when I moved across the country but never stepped out there to have a close encounter with one.....Interesting to me the vast number of seeds that never germinate as these things are fairly scattered across the desert floor. Look forward to seeing the blooms

[Chip]

Beautiful photos, and a botany bonus!

Thanks for a peak at even more things that I just about never see. This whole series reminds me of a family trip out west when I was about 11. Thanks for the nice memories.