Our planet is rich from a wide variety of plants. Every geographical area has its own characteristics that make it special. Similarly, the US states of California and Arizona are the home of the largest cactus in America called Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea). Let’s have a look at some interesting Saguaro Cactus Facts, which is also the World’s biggest cactus!
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Saguaro Cactus Facts
1. Native place
Confused about where do saguaro cactus grow? Well, it is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican State of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California.
2. The Lateral Branches Begin to Grow After 70 Years
The Saguaro cactus doesn’t start growing branches until it is 70 years old and at least 12 feet tall. The branches of the saguaro cactus measure between 18 to 24 inches.
3. Very Slow Growing plant
Saguaro is an extremely slow-growing plant in its early stage of life. During the first ten years, it grows up by 1-2 inches.
4. Active Growth Begins After 30 Years of Life.
Marking 30 years which is only around one-fourth of its life, its active growth begins. So if you are wondering how can you tell how old a saguaro cactus is, look for the one that has the most branches!
Check out Exotic Fruits that Grow on Cactus here
5. Saguaro Cactus Height and Weight
If you are wondering about Saguaro cactus height, then it can grow up to 20 m (70 ft) tall. Saguaro is also one of the heaviest plants and a fully grown one can vary between 6-10 tons.
6. Water Storing Capabilities
Wondering how much water can a saguaro cactus hold? During rainfall in the desert, it can soak up to 200 gallons of water!
If you squeeze a mature cactus, it is possible to get about two tons of liquid out of it.
7. House for the Homeless
The cactus is home to many animals–owls, woodpeckers, snakes, mice, and others. It is also a great water source in the desert.
8. A Fruitful Plant
Saguaro is a fruitful plant. It grows red fleshy fruits, which is prized by local people. Each fruit contains around 2000 seeds.
Find out some Unique and Rare Cacti here
9. Deep Tap Root
Most saguaros have shallow roots that are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. However, the taproot root extends deep down into the ground.
10. Life
Do you want to know how long does a saguaro cactus live? With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live up to 150-200 years old.
11. Saguaro Cactus Flowers
The saguaro flower has one of the most powerful fragrances, it emits a sweet, musky odor. The flower only opens up at the night and closes during the day. Saguaro cactus in bloom is quite a sight to behold.
If you want to know when do saguaro cactus bloom? Then the answer to that question is – after 30-35 years. The flowers are white in color and bloom in late spring followed by red edible fruits in the summer.
12. Laws
It’s illegal in Arizona to move a saguaro cactus from private or public property without permission.
13. The Most Expensive Cactus!
The plant is not cheap to get your hands on and a well-grown specimen can cost you anywhere between 200-1500$!
14. The Oldest and the World’s Biggest Cactus
The Granddaddy saguaro cactus is said to be more than 300 years old, is more than 40 feet tall, and has 50-52 limbs! it is also one of the world’s biggest cactus!
15. It is Used to Make Crafts
Locals use the woody ribs of the saguaro cactus to make various types of crafts. People also use the plant to make home furniture, fences, and roofs.
16. It is a State Flower
Have you seen a flowering saguaro cactus? If yes, then consider yourself lucky as it is also the state flower of Arizona.
Check out some Large Cacti Varieties here
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