The Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the most iconic plants of the American Southwest. Here’s some of my favorite facts about the giant Saguaro.
As the largest cactus in the U.S., mature Saguaros typically grow up to 40-60 feet tall, and the largest ones can top 70 feet. A fully grown Saguaro can weigh between 1,500 and 2,200 pounds when fully hydrated.
Saguaros often live to 150-200 years old, with the oldest known Saguaro — “Old Grand Daddy” — reaching nearly 300 years. The cacti start growing arms between 50-75 years of age.
They can store up to 200 gallons of water in their tissues, allowing them to survive over a year without rain. Their rib structure allows for pleated skin, with which it expands as it fills with water during wet times, holding extra water for when the dry season comes.
Saguaros have a special photosynthesis system known as CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism), which allows them to absorb CO2 during the night (instead of the day, as most plants do) to minimize water loss.
Giant Saguaros also provide food and shelter for many species of wildlife. For instance, the Gila woodpecker and the Northern flicker are known to carve holes into the cactus for nesting, which in turn provide homes for many other animals after the birds abandon them.
Other animals like jackrabbits and desert tortoises also rely on Saguaros for both food and protection. The desert tortoise is one of the few animals that can feed on the Saguaro’s tough flesh, though they prefer the fruit, which comes in late spring.
In fact, many animals feed on the fruit, with birds getting the first crack at it as it grows high atop the Saguaro’s stem and arms. Once the fruit falls, ground dwellers like coyotes, javalina, jackrabbits, and tortoise get their chance to eat.
Saguaros are sacred to many Indigenous peoples, such as the Tohono O’odham, who see the cactus as a symbol of life and fertility, and harvest its fruit and use it in traditional ceremonies and food preparation.
Saguaros are so important to the people and ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert, they have special protections in some locations. In Arizona, for instance, it’s illegal to harm a Saguaro, even by uprooting it. A permit is required to move or destroy a Saguaro cactus that is more than four feet tall.
The penalties for stealing a Saguaro cactus can include up to $150,000 in fines and/or five years in prison.
Saguaros are also vulnerable to environmental issues. While they are adapted to desert conditions, climate change, urban development, and wildfires are all threats to their survival.
So the next time you come face-to-flesh with a giant Saguaro, be sure to give it a big ol’ hug. Haha. Kidding, kidding! At least their spines aren’t barbed.
By the way, the Saguaros in the photo are located on the footsteps of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona.
That’s it for today’s deep-dive Daily Dose, hope you enjoyed!
Until tomorrow,
-Jake
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