The Giant Saguaro Cactus
We moved to Tucson over 22 years ago. When we first moved some things were way amazing: Amazing sunrises and sunsets, monsoon season, dry washes, rattle snakes, 117 degree summers and the like. The Saguaro cactus was the most amazing of all. Now we have grown used to their regal watch over the desert, but they still have the power to move emotions.
The silhouette of the cactus at dusk is most amazing
They stand straight and tall, and seem to reach to heaven, praying for moisture to help them live in this arid climate.
Here is a young one, probably only about 15 - 20 years old.
A close up shows that though young, it does definetly know how to defend itself against birds, man or other creatures that would take its precious moisture.
When it freezes, the internal cells will freeze. The damage only becomes apparent after a few years.
It may take up to 10 years for a saguaro to die from freezing, depending on its age and the deepness of the freeze.
They start to grow their first arm, or appendage at about age 75. This one must have a few tales to tell.
2 comments:
It really has been an interesting move for us...thanks for reminding me about one of the great things about living here.
So lately, yours and moms blogs have all been about making me miss Tucson. Did you know that? Because I miss Tucson. The thing I miss the MOST at the moment is the way it smells there after it rains...
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