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Description
Carnegiea Gigantea, commonly known as the saguaro cactus, is an iconic plant species that is native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is a slow-growing, tree-like cactus that can live for over 150 years and can grow up to 40 feet tall. The saguaro cactus has a unique and recognizable appearance that makes it a symbol of the American Southwest.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Carnegiea |
Appearance
The saguaro cactus has a tall, columnar shape with thick, ridged, and pleated stems that can grow up to 18 inches in diameter. It has a waxy, green skin that helps it retain moisture and protect it from the sun. The saguaro cactus has long, sharp spines that can grow up to 3 inches long and protect it from predators. It also has beautiful white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer and produce red, edible fruit that is loved by birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
To care for a saguaro cactus, you need to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and protection from the cold. The saguaro cactus is a desert plant that can survive in hot, dry conditions, but it still needs some water to thrive. Water it deeply once every two to four weeks during the growing season, and let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. Fertilize it once a year with a slow-release cactus fertilizer. Plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and minerals. Give it plenty of sunlight, at least six hours a day, and protect it from frost and cold temperatures by covering it with a blanket or tarp.
Common Pests & Diseases
The saguaro cactus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be attacked by insects and fungi. The most common pests that attack saguaro cacti are scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be removed by spraying the cactus with a mixture of water and dish soap, or by using an insecticidal soap. The most common diseases that affect saguaro cacti are bacterial necrosis, fungal infections, and trunk rot. These diseases can be prevented by keeping the cactus dry and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
The saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert, which stretches across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is found in hot, dry, and sunny areas, often on rocky hillsides and in washes. It is a slow-growing plant that can take up to 10 years to reach a height of one foot, and up to 75 years to grow its first arm.
Question and Answer
Q: How long can a saguaro cactus live?
A: A saguaro cactus can live for over 150 years.
Q: Are the flowers of the saguaro cactus edible?
A: Yes, the flowers of the saguaro cactus produce red, edible fruit that is loved by birds and other wildlife.
Q: Is the saguaro cactus a protected species?
A: Yes, the saguaro cactus is a protected species in the United States and cannot be removed or damaged without a permit.
Q: How much sunlight does a saguaro cactus need?
A: A saguaro cactus needs at least six hours of sunlight a day to thrive.
Related Plants
- Opuntia Ficus-Indica
- Echinocactus Grusonii
- Mammillaria Prolifera
- Ferocactus Wislizeni
References
- “Carnegiea gigantea”. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- “Saguaro Cactus: Carnegiea gigantea”. DesertUSA. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- “Saguaro National Park”. National Park Service. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
