Saguaro, << suh GWAH roh or suh WAH roh, >> is the largest cactus of the United States. This huge plant, often called the giant cactus, may stand as tall as 60 feet (18 meters) and weigh as much as 10 tons (9 metric tons). The saguaro grows only in the foothills and deserts of southern Arizona, southeastern California, and northwestern Mexico. It is the state flower of Arizona.
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The saguaro has a columnlike trunk that measures from 1 to 21/2 feet (30 to 76 centimeters) in diameter. The plant also has a few large, upturned branches. Grooves and ribs (ridges) run lengthwise along both the trunk and branches. Little rain falls in the region where the saguaro grows. The plant soaks up and stores much water after the rare showers that do occur. The grooves and ribs expand and contract, much like an accordion, depending on the amount of stored water.
Padlike structures called areoles grow along the ribs. Each areole has from 15 to 25 long spines. The branches of the saguaro grow from certain areoles on the trunk. During May and June, the areoles near the tip of the trunk and branches produce waxy, greenish-white flowers. These funnel-shaped flowers measure 3 or 4 inches (7.6 to 10 centimeters) long and bloom at night.
Bats, birds, and insects gather nectar from saguaro blossoms and, during the process, spread pollen from flower to flower. The pollinated flowers may then produce purplish-red, egg-shaped fruit. The mature fruit splits open, exposing watermelon-red pulp filled with black seeds. Many desert creatures eat the ripe fruit. The Indians of the region also eat the raw fruit or use it to make preserves and syrups.
