Will this be on the Saguaro test?

[lindyannajones]

Yes. But first this question: Saguaro today?

As I mentioned in my previous post. The saguaro doesn't develop arms until they are, on average, 70 years old. Sometimes the arms are quite expressive. Here's a sample:



Obviously, water is a chief concern of any plant living in the desert. While the term "water retention" is dreaded by women, it is the chief concern of the saguaro. The pleated folds expand and contract depending on the weather conditions. The cactus is well supported by a wooden interior made of ribs, one for each pleat. You may also be able to see that the needles slant downward to assist the rain in reaching the surprisingly shallow root system of the cactus.



And, thus, concludes the Botany lesson for today. Next post: Human and animal uses of the saguaro. My point...and I do have one...is the blooms. They're coming, I promise, and they are beautiful!

[Fred flyfisher]

Lindy, this is fascinating. I am thoroughly enjoying the saguaro lessons and the pictures are wonderful. On the bottom middle of the first collage, the saguaro look as if they are embracing one another. Pretty cool Great work!

[Chandel Weiss]

Wow these are amazing i love the way you did them! Nice work

[Sheriliz]

Great photos as usual, I am enjoying the information.

[westx]

Very cool shots and most interesting lesson.

[Chip]

This is starting to remind me of a Ronco commercial: "But wait! There's more!!!" And with these photos, more is definitely better.

Those arms a just amazing. I wish I could read their body language.

And on the "Beauty Within", I love the one on the bottom right. It was completely unexpected.

Many thanks for the botany lesson. Can I just audit this class, please?

[Chewys Dad]

Great Post Lindyanna; I used to live in Arizona and had a business making products from these amazing plants. I made picture frames, walking sticks, clocks, ladders etc from legally collected Saguaro skeletons. There is also unfortunatly a large illegal trade in them as well. Beautiful pictures and very informative.
Thanks for sharing these
Chewys Dad.

[fstopMike]

Lindy, great post. keep it coming! I'm enjoying all the information. By the way, the prickly pear I took out of the woods and put on the deck is now blooming! Somehow it's managing to live on 50 inches of rain a year.

[FDCPR]

Another great post of beautiful photos and a great learning experience. I am truly enjoying this series, all the photos are great and I am gaining knowledge that I never would know without the post. Thanks to you

[lindyannajones]

Originally Posted by Fred flyfisher

Lindy, this is fascinating. I am thoroughly enjoying the saguaro lessons and the pictures are wonderful. On the bottom middle of the first collage, the saguaro look as if they are embracing one another. Pretty cool Great work!

Not too much like school? The saguaro hug was one of those "Stop the Car!" moments. My hubby really is a saint!

Originally Posted by Chandel Weiss

Wow these are amazing i love the way you did them! Nice work

Hi Chandel. We've not met. I'm Lindy and thanks for your nice comments. I like the story aspect of collage. I'm glad you do, too.

Originally Posted by Sheriliz

Great photos as usual, I am enjoying the information.

Hello, my Texas friend...with a porch. I'm glad you are enjoying the information aspect of these photos. I'm learning stuff as well.

Originally Posted by westx

Very cool shots and most interesting lesson.

Well thanks. Normally interesting and lesson don't go together. I'll be back with more!

Originally Posted by Chip

This is starting to remind me of a Ronco commercial: "But wait! There's more!!!" And with these photos, more is definitely better.

Those arms a just amazing. I wish I could read their body language.

And on the "Beauty Within", I love the one on the bottom right. It was completely unexpected.

Many thanks for the botany lesson. Can I just audit this class, please?

Ohhh...kaaaay. You can audit the class. It makes sense, doesn't it, that there would be a strong support for these guys. The wood is just beautiful. I bet you're going to like the way it gets used in architecture.

Originally Posted by Chewys Dad

Great Post Lindyanna; I used to live in Arizona and had a business making products from these amazing plants. I made picture frames, walking sticks, clocks, ladders etc from legally collected Saguaro skeletons. There is also unfortunatly a large illegal trade in them as well. Beautiful pictures and very informative.
Thanks for sharing these
Chewys Dad.

Okay. One more degree of separation and we'll find we are cousins. I found this skeleton in front of Ventana canyon. I believe it was deliberately "planted" so people can enjoy it's beauty. Here's a shot. Hope this brings back nice memories:

Originally Posted by fstopMike

Lindy, great post. keep it coming! I'm enjoying all the information. By the way, the prickly pear I took out of the woods and put on the deck is now blooming! Somehow it's managing to live on 50 inches of rain a year.

Yer kidding? Normally, 11 inches does it. That's just great. What color are the blooms? There's a method in my posting madness: DPS gathering. Next Spring, Tucson. Be there or be square!

Originally Posted by FDCPR

Another great post of beautiful photos and a great learning experience. I am truly enjoying this series, all the photos are great and I am gaining knowledge that I never would know without the post. Thanks to you

Thank you so much! This feedback makes me so happy. I'm thrilled that you are enjoying the experience. I've tried not to be too schoolmarmish. I'll post another round tomorrow night.