The iconic saguaro cactus with its tall straight frame reaching out of the surrounding desert floor is a dominant characteristic of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona! Most, but not all, have some “arms” reaching out from the main stalk. And, who in my generation don’t remember the good cowboys in the Saturday matinee movies that were saved from certain death by thirst in the desert when they miraculously came across a saguaro in the desert and stuck their knife into its succulent flesh to receive life sustaining water, bountiful water!
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| Saguaro cactus |
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| Saguaro cactus and friends - wild burros |
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| Standing tall in the desert! |
Well, it turns out that is not as easy as they made it seem in the movies. The flesh is truly succulent and there is space between the rows of sharp thorns (the Indians used them as needles for sewing); however just below the surface is the saguaro ribs – thick hard wooden “bones” that gave the saguaro the ability to grow and stand tall in the desert. These bones long outlived the succulent flesh when a cactus was finally knocked over. If it died from natural causes the “bones’ would be standing long after the succulent flesh was history. They littered the desert floor where cactus were knocked over and slowly deteriorated.
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| Some more saguaro ribs |
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| Saguaro ribs standing and on the ground |
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| At sunset |
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| A little curves adds distinction |
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| Friends in the desert! |
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| Imitation is the best form of flattery! |
Always at home no matter where we are!
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