Nothing defines desert in Arizona more clearly that Seguaro Cactus (pronounced say-where-oh).
It is a feature of the Sonora Desert, which stretches from New Mexico almost to the Pacific, from Mexico north to Needles AZ.
It is an interesting plant in many ways.
Its habitat is defined very clearly by climate: it must remain frost free during the day all year round.
It must have summer rains (monsoon).
They only grow from the top. If the top dies (say struck by lightning) it does not continue to grow upwards, though may well put out arms to continue growth
It grows very slowly, about one inch per year
Seguaro can live for more than 200 years, thus often exceeding 20ft tall.
They only flower after 45 years
They only grow 'arms' after 75 years
Their roots are rarely more than 6 inches below ground, but are as long as the Seguaro is tall.
A mature plant may weigh several tons
The seguaro is not just water inside, it has a wooden structure which is left behind when the plant dies.
All things considered it is a fascinating plant.
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