THE MIGHTY SAGUARO CACTUS

Nothing represents the desert like the magnificent Saguaro cactus. The Saguaro cactus is by far the most recognized symbol of the Sonoran Desert and its white blossom is the state flower of Arizona.
In the desert west of Tucson, as you drive through the Saguaro National Park, you will find an abundance of these mighty giants. Set against the backdrop of rugged red hills these sentinels stand guard over a harsh terrain that provides little in the way of comfort or shade. These towering cacti can grow up to 60 feet with the tallest measuring around 78 feet with a life span of up to 200 years. Its region limited, the Saguaro cactus can only be found in Southern Arizona and Northwestern Mexico with a few growing in Southeastern California.
The shallow root system can extend up to 100 feet from the cactus serving a duel purpose of balancing the massive trunk and collecting moisture from the desert floor. The arms take years to grow and can twist into many interesting shapes and sizes and the trunk serves as burrows to several species of birds. The Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker and Elf Owl are among those who call the Saguaro home. While the summer temperatures can reach over 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of the cactus will stay around 90 degrees providing protection from the scorching sun and safety for the nest.
One of the most fascinating things about the Saguaro is the Tohono O’odham harvesting the fruit of the cactus. The Tohono O’odham are a desert people who make their home in southern Arizona. These Native Americans begin their harvest when the cactus blooms, usually in late June, making jellies, syrups and wine and preparing for the Rain Ceremony known as Nawait I’I which serves to celebrate and welcome the upcoming monsoon. The art of harvesting has been passed down from generation to generation and is still conducted very much as it was 200 years ago. To ensure that the harvesting ritual continues, The Saguaro National Monument Harvesting Program was implemented to keep this part of the Tohono O’odham culture alive. This program teaches the technique of Saguaro harvesting with workshops available at the Tucson-Botanical Gardens and the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum.
The best time of day to see the Saguaro will be at sunset with the reddish-orange glow of the mountains in the background giving you terrific photo opportunities. Who knows, you might just see a Great Horned Owl perched upon this great symbol of the American west.
For directions to the Saguaro National Monument and more information about the Saguaro cactus please visit. http://www.saguaro.national-park.com