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Saguaro Cactus: Desert Plants, Cacti Flowers, Arizona And Mexico
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Published: August 31, 2007
The ability of plants to adapt to their surroundings is truly amazing. Even in the most extreme climates, plants find ways to survive. The Saguaro Cactus, the official state flower of Arizona, is one such plant that is renown for its tolerance towards desert conditions. As the symbol of the American west, the Saguaro Cactus has many unique features that have made it a protected part of the arid landscape.
The success of these cactus plants in the harsh environment is due to their ability to conserve water. Their stems and upward-curving arms can reach 24 inches in diameter to provide ample space for water storage. The pleated layers of the Saguaro Cactus allow the plant to expand and absorb water as it becomes available, while the waxy covering keeps moisture from escaping. In fact, a larger Saguaro Cactus can absorb up to a ton of water after a rain. The two-inch spines that cover the outside of these cactus plants further contribute to their water absorption abilities.
The root system is another part developed for the purpose of water conversation. Although these giants range in height from 15 to 50 feet, they have very shallow root networks. The roots of a Saguaro Cactus grow horizontally so that when rainfall occurs, the plant can absorb as much moisture as possible. The root length match the cacti’s height and encircles rocks and debris as it grows to provide the best support.
A Saguaro Cactus only grows about an inch a year so that the majority of its water resources can be used in producing flowers. During May and June, three-inch white cactus flowers are produced that bloom only one night each. Although the Saguaro Cactus may contain over 200 flowers, they all bloom at different times during several months. Each bloom contains more stamens than any other cactus flowers, attracting many species of insects and birds including the Whitewing Dove and Gila Woodpecker. Once these cactus flowers are fertilized, they make round, green fruits that contain thousands of seeds. Not only does the cactus fruit protect the seeds, but the inside pulp provides nourishment for native animals.
Because it is native only to the Sonoran Desert, an area comprised of Southern Arizona and Northeastern Mexico, the Saguaro Cactus is a protected plant. Although not an endangered plant, the Saguaro Cactus population is suffering because its slow growth cannot keep pace with urban sprawl, invasive species and theft. However, at the Saguaro National Park, protecting these native plants is a top priority. In fact, the Native Plant Protection Act makes removing or disturbing the Saguaro Cactus illegal.
Although the Saguaro Cactus has an amazing ability to adapt, no one knows for certain how it will cope with the staggering changes that human beings have inflicted upon the land. Thankfully, law enforcement officials are working to help protect these beautiful cactus plants.
Sources:
"How Plants Cope with a Desert Climate." Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. 1996-2003. 28 Aug. 2007. http://desertmuseum.org/programs/succulents_adapta tion.html.
"Saguaro Cactus." DesertUSA.com. 1996-2007. 28 Aug. 2007. http://www.desertusa.com/july96/du_saguaro.html.
"Threats to the Saguaro." NPS.org. 6 July 2007. 28 July 2007. http://www.nps.gov/sagu/naturescience/saguaro_thre ats.htm.
Uhler, John William. "Saguaro National Park." Hillclimb Media. 1995-2007. 28 Aug. 2007. http://www.saguaro.national-park.com/info/htm#cac.
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The success of these cactus plants in the harsh environment is due to their ability to conserve water. Their stems and upward-curving arms can reach 24 inches in diameter to provide ample space for water storage. The pleated layers of the Saguaro Cactus allow the plant to expand and absorb water as it becomes available, while the waxy covering keeps moisture from escaping. In fact, a larger Saguaro Cactus can absorb up to a ton of water after a rain. The two-inch spines that cover the outside of these cactus plants further contribute to their water absorption abilities.
The root system is another part developed for the purpose of water conversation. Although these giants range in height from 15 to 50 feet, they have very shallow root networks. The roots of a Saguaro Cactus grow horizontally so that when rainfall occurs, the plant can absorb as much moisture as possible. The root length match the cacti’s height and encircles rocks and debris as it grows to provide the best support.
A Saguaro Cactus only grows about an inch a year so that the majority of its water resources can be used in producing flowers. During May and June, three-inch white cactus flowers are produced that bloom only one night each. Although the Saguaro Cactus may contain over 200 flowers, they all bloom at different times during several months. Each bloom contains more stamens than any other cactus flowers, attracting many species of insects and birds including the Whitewing Dove and Gila Woodpecker. Once these cactus flowers are fertilized, they make round, green fruits that contain thousands of seeds. Not only does the cactus fruit protect the seeds, but the inside pulp provides nourishment for native animals.
Because it is native only to the Sonoran Desert, an area comprised of Southern Arizona and Northeastern Mexico, the Saguaro Cactus is a protected plant. Although not an endangered plant, the Saguaro Cactus population is suffering because its slow growth cannot keep pace with urban sprawl, invasive species and theft. However, at the Saguaro National Park, protecting these native plants is a top priority. In fact, the Native Plant Protection Act makes removing or disturbing the Saguaro Cactus illegal.
Although the Saguaro Cactus has an amazing ability to adapt, no one knows for certain how it will cope with the staggering changes that human beings have inflicted upon the land. Thankfully, law enforcement officials are working to help protect these beautiful cactus plants.
Sources:
"How Plants Cope with a Desert Climate." Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. 1996-2003. 28 Aug. 2007. http://desertmuseum.org/programs/succulents_adapta tion.html.
"Saguaro Cactus." DesertUSA.com. 1996-2007. 28 Aug. 2007. http://www.desertusa.com/july96/du_saguaro.html.
"Threats to the Saguaro." NPS.org. 6 July 2007. 28 July 2007. http://www.nps.gov/sagu/naturescience/saguaro_thre ats.htm.
Uhler, John William. "Saguaro National Park." Hillclimb Media. 1995-2007. 28 Aug. 2007. http://www.saguaro.national-park.com/info/htm#cac.
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