Saguaro: The Amazing Cactus

I'm sure God displayed His sense of humor when he created cacti. He packaged everything that was needed to survive, and help other creatures survive, in a "prickery" (is that a word?) creation and plunked it smack, dab in the middle of some of the most inhospitable habitat known to man. As with everything else, however, a cactus has a specific purpose in our world.
The Saguaro is unique to the Sonoran desert, being found only in this region. On my numerous trips to Arizona, I never ceased to be amazed at this plant. I knew I had truly arrived in the Sonoran desert when I saw the Saguaro. This plant grows very slowly, being only 6" tall at 10 years of age! The cactus pictured here is roughly 35-40 years old. It has had adequate moisture, sunshine, and nutrients as attested to by its stately appearance. It really is a "youngster" as Saguaros go, even though it is roughly 10 feet tall.
In additional posts I will introduce you to the varied characteristics of this plant -- a variety of shapes and sizes, the beautiful flowers, the animals & birds that call the Saguaro its home, and even show you a funky Saguaro that looks like it is having a major "bad hair" day. In the end, I hope you will come to love this cactus as much as I do and will travel to our beautiful state to see it for yourself!