Cacti - Carneglea Gigantea Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro cactus, scientifically known as Carnegiea gigantea, is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest, particularly the Sonoran Desert. Here's a detailed look at this majestic plant:
Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro Cactus)
Scientific Name: Carnegiea gigantea
Common Names: Saguaro, Giant Saguaro
Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Origin: Native to the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of Arizona, California, and Mexico.
Description:
The Saguaro is a large, columnar cactus with a distinctive tree-like form. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Size: Saguaros are among the largest cacti in the world, reaching heights of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) or even more. They can weigh several tons when fully hydrated.
Shape: Young Saguaros have a single, unbranched trunk. As they mature (usually after 50-75 years), they start to develop arms that branch out from the main trunk, giving them their characteristic candelabra-like shape.
Stem: The thick, green stem is ribbed and covered with sharp spines. These ribs allow the stem to expand and contract as it absorbs and loses water.
Spines: The spines are long, stiff, and protect the cactus from herbivores and provide some shade.
Flowers: Saguaros produce large, white, night-blooming flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. These flowers attract pollinators like bats, moths, and bees.
Fruit: The fruit is a fleshy, reddish-purple berry that ripens in the summer. It's edible and was an important food source for Native Americans.
Growth:
Saguaros are extremely slow-growing plants. It can take them 10 years to reach just a few inches tall. They can live for 150-200 years or even longer.
Adaptations:
Saguaros are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Sonoran Desert:
Water Storage: Their large stems can store vast amounts of water, allowing them to survive long periods of drought.
Shallow Roots: They have a shallow but extensive root system that allows them to quickly absorb rainwater before it evaporates.
Reduced Water Loss: Their spines, thick skin, and ability to close their stomata (pores) during the day help to minimize water loss.
Ecology:
Saguaros play a vital role in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem:
Habitat: They provide nesting sites for birds like Gila woodpeckers and gilded flickers.
Food Source: Their flowers, fruit, and seeds are a food source for a variety of animals, including bats, birds, and mammals.
Cultural Significance:
The Saguaro is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest and is closely associated with the Sonoran Desert. It's the state flower of Arizona and is protected by law.
Conservation:
Saguaros face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent plants.
Interesting Facts:
The scientific name Carnegiea gigantea honors Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist and industrialist.
Saguaros can grow up to 50 arms or more.
The largest Saguaro ever recorded was over 70 feet tall.
Overall, the Saguaro cactus is a remarkable plant that is well-adapted to its harsh desert environment. Its size, shape, and longevity make it a symbol of the American Southwest and a vital part of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 190mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same.
Want your succulent with a pot?
We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!
Just click here to make your request.
Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations. View Shipping options
The Saguaro cactus, scientifically known as Carnegiea gigantea, is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest, particularly the Sonoran Desert. Here's a detailed look at this majestic plant:
Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro Cactus)
Scientific Name: Carnegiea gigantea
Common Names: Saguaro, Giant Saguaro
Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Origin: Native to the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of Arizona, California, and Mexico.
Description:
The Saguaro is a large, columnar cactus with a distinctive tree-like form. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Size: Saguaros are among the largest cacti in the world, reaching heights of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) or even more. They can weigh several tons when fully hydrated.
Shape: Young Saguaros have a single, unbranched trunk. As they mature (usually after 50-75 years), they start to develop arms that branch out from the main trunk, giving them their characteristic candelabra-like shape.
Stem: The thick, green stem is ribbed and covered with sharp spines. These ribs allow the stem to expand and contract as it absorbs and loses water.
Spines: The spines are long, stiff, and protect the cactus from herbivores and provide some shade.
Flowers: Saguaros produce large, white, night-blooming flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. These flowers attract pollinators like bats, moths, and bees.
Fruit: The fruit is a fleshy, reddish-purple berry that ripens in the summer. It's edible and was an important food source for Native Americans.
Growth:
Saguaros are extremely slow-growing plants. It can take them 10 years to reach just a few inches tall. They can live for 150-200 years or even longer.
Adaptations:
Saguaros are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Sonoran Desert:
Water Storage: Their large stems can store vast amounts of water, allowing them to survive long periods of drought.
Shallow Roots: They have a shallow but extensive root system that allows them to quickly absorb rainwater before it evaporates.
Reduced Water Loss: Their spines, thick skin, and ability to close their stomata (pores) during the day help to minimize water loss.
Ecology:
Saguaros play a vital role in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem:
Habitat: They provide nesting sites for birds like Gila woodpeckers and gilded flickers.
Food Source: Their flowers, fruit, and seeds are a food source for a variety of animals, including bats, birds, and mammals.
Cultural Significance:
The Saguaro is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest and is closely associated with the Sonoran Desert. It's the state flower of Arizona and is protected by law.
Conservation:
Saguaros face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent plants.
Interesting Facts:
The scientific name Carnegiea gigantea honors Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist and industrialist.
Saguaros can grow up to 50 arms or more.
The largest Saguaro ever recorded was over 70 feet tall.
Overall, the Saguaro cactus is a remarkable plant that is well-adapted to its harsh desert environment. Its size, shape, and longevity make it a symbol of the American Southwest and a vital part of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 190mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same.
Want your succulent with a pot?
We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!
Just click here to make your request.
Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations. View Shipping options
The Saguaro cactus, scientifically known as Carnegiea gigantea, is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest, particularly the Sonoran Desert. Here's a detailed look at this majestic plant:
Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro Cactus)
Scientific Name: Carnegiea gigantea
Common Names: Saguaro, Giant Saguaro
Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Origin: Native to the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of Arizona, California, and Mexico.
Description:
The Saguaro is a large, columnar cactus with a distinctive tree-like form. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Size: Saguaros are among the largest cacti in the world, reaching heights of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) or even more. They can weigh several tons when fully hydrated.
Shape: Young Saguaros have a single, unbranched trunk. As they mature (usually after 50-75 years), they start to develop arms that branch out from the main trunk, giving them their characteristic candelabra-like shape.
Stem: The thick, green stem is ribbed and covered with sharp spines. These ribs allow the stem to expand and contract as it absorbs and loses water.
Spines: The spines are long, stiff, and protect the cactus from herbivores and provide some shade.
Flowers: Saguaros produce large, white, night-blooming flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. These flowers attract pollinators like bats, moths, and bees.
Fruit: The fruit is a fleshy, reddish-purple berry that ripens in the summer. It's edible and was an important food source for Native Americans.
Growth:
Saguaros are extremely slow-growing plants. It can take them 10 years to reach just a few inches tall. They can live for 150-200 years or even longer.
Adaptations:
Saguaros are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Sonoran Desert:
Water Storage: Their large stems can store vast amounts of water, allowing them to survive long periods of drought.
Shallow Roots: They have a shallow but extensive root system that allows them to quickly absorb rainwater before it evaporates.
Reduced Water Loss: Their spines, thick skin, and ability to close their stomata (pores) during the day help to minimize water loss.
Ecology:
Saguaros play a vital role in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem:
Habitat: They provide nesting sites for birds like Gila woodpeckers and gilded flickers.
Food Source: Their flowers, fruit, and seeds are a food source for a variety of animals, including bats, birds, and mammals.
Cultural Significance:
The Saguaro is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest and is closely associated with the Sonoran Desert. It's the state flower of Arizona and is protected by law.
Conservation:
Saguaros face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent plants.
Interesting Facts:
The scientific name Carnegiea gigantea honors Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist and industrialist.
Saguaros can grow up to 50 arms or more.
The largest Saguaro ever recorded was over 70 feet tall.
Overall, the Saguaro cactus is a remarkable plant that is well-adapted to its harsh desert environment. Its size, shape, and longevity make it a symbol of the American Southwest and a vital part of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 190mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same.
Want your succulent with a pot?
We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!
Just click here to make your request.
Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations. View Shipping options