The Saguaro cactus is the biggest cactus in the United States and can grow up to 40 feet tall and weigh as much as 2 tons. These prickly, branch-like plants are exclusive to the Sonoran Desert, which spans across southern Arizona, southeast California, and western Sonora, Mexico. As a vital species and indicator of the desert ecosystem, these plants offer food and shelter for various animals.
Established in 1994, the Saguaro National Park spans across both eastern and western Tucson in Arizona. Its main purpose is to protect the Sonoran Desert landscapes that provide crucial support for the growth of saguaro cacti. The park is divided into two districts and covers a total area of 91,327 acres.
Saguaro cacti have a distinct method of safeguarding themselves during their early growth phase by utilizing what is called “nurse trees.” These trees, which are typically fast-growing varieties such as palo verde, ironwood, or mesquite, provide protection for the slow-growing cactus. However, as the cactus matures, it eventually competes with the nurse tree for resources like water and nutrients, ultimately resulting in the demise of the tree.
The Saguarо cactus is a plant that grows very slowly and can take many years to reach its towering height. It usually takes around 70 years for the cactus to grow up to six feet tall. The characteristic arms or branches of the cactus only begin to appear when it is about 95-100 years old and around 15-16 feet tall.
At approximately 125 years old, the Saguarо cactus is considered an adult and may have several branches or none at all. These cacti can live on average between 150-175 years, but some may reach 200 years old.
Although the taproot of the Saguarо cactus extends about five feet into the soil, the overall root system of the plant is very shallow. Saguarо roots are only about 3-5 inches deep but extend out in a radius as long as the plant is tall.
The taproot serves to access underground water in the desert. The main roots of the cactus are covered in special hairs that collect as much as 200 gallons during a rainfall. The summer monsoons that bring rain to the Sonoran Desert often last only a few minutes, so the widespread net of a Saguarо’s root system acts to quickly absorb any water before it runs off.
The collected water is then stored in the cactus to provide hydration during dry periods in the desert. The extension root system also acts to support the cactus, keeping it anchored and upright during the winds that often accompany rainstorms.
The Saguarо cactus flowers during late spring into early summer. Multiple species of bats serve as pollinators of the cactus by feeding on the nectar produced by the white flowers. The bats also eat the fruit produced and disperse the seeds.
The Saguaro cactus not only serves as a plant, but it also provides a safe haven for various animals. One such animal is the Gila Woodpecker, which excavates cavities in the cactus to use as nesting sites. Other birds such as elf owls, screech owls, purple martins, finches, and sparrows also utilize abandoned cavities within the cactus.
Furthermore, Harris’s Hawk can be found building nests in the arms of the Saguaro cactus. Bobcats, also known as Lynx rufus, have padded paws that enable them to climb the cactus without being harmed by the prickly spines that can grow up to three inches in length. Additionally, the height of the cactus provides a secure vantage point for bobcats to survey the surrounding terrain.
The Saguaro cactus is more than just a plant, it serves as a safe haven for various animals. One of these animals is the Gila Woodpecker, which digs out cavities in the cactus to use as nesting sites. These nesting cavities provide protection from predators, while the cactus itself provides warmth during colder months. Other birds like elf owls, screech owls, purple martins, finches, and sparrows also make use of abandoned cavities within the cactus. In addition, Harris’s Hawk can be found building nests in the arms of the Saguaro cactus.
The saguaro cactus is a safe haven for bobcats, who use it to escape from predators. Also known as Lynx rufus, these cats have padded paws that allow them to climb the cactus without getting hurt by its prickly spines, which can grow up to three inches long. In addition to this, the height of the cactus provides a secure vantage point for bobcats to survey the surrounding area.
