Saguaro Cactus

The Saguaro Cactus is a desert plant that grows mainly in the southern portion of the state of Arizona and southeastern California and northwestern Mexico.[1] As with most cactus, the Saguaro requires little water and thrives in the desert. It stores water internally and uses it as needed. It grows very slowly, about an inch a year and typically grows to heights of 15 to 50 feet tall. The Gila Woodpecker and the Gilded Flicker make their home in the Saguaro Cactus by chiseling out small holes in the trunk.

The Saguaro Cactus Blossom (Carnegiea gigantea) is the official state flower of the state of Arizona.[2] This pure white flower blooms on the tips of the saguaro cactus during May and June and opens only at night (closing during the day), and reaches about 3 inches in width.

## See also[edit]

* Saguaro National Park

## References[edit]

1. ↑ http://www.desertusa.com/july96/du_saguaro.html
2. ↑ http://www.50states.com/flower/arizona.htm