Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
crested saguaro
Family Name:
Cactaceae
Botanical Name:
Carnegiea gigantea
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
crested
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The crested saguaro differs from the usual dome shaped form of saguaro in that it has a crested folded growth pattern on the end of a main arm or stem (8).The crested top forms by the cells on the growing
stem dividing outward instead of upward or in a circular pattern like the non-crested
saguaro (8).The result is a fan-shaped crest growing outward from the cacti (8). The cause has been speculated but remains
unknown. One theory is that a “trigger” may initiate the process such as a
lightning strike or frost. The crest can extend from 3-5 ft. in diameter and
resembles a convoluted set of folds (8). Due to their unique fan-shaped forms, the
crested saguaro is relatively rare and illegal to remove or disturb (8).
Compound:
Car gig cre
Geographic Origin:
Desert Southwest
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Saguaros have been expanding from their Ice Age refuge for the last 10,000 years. According to the fossil record they arrived in the Tucson vicinity only 8000 years ago. The saguaro is a biological descendant from the Cereeae family. Saguaros occur naturally in most of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, California, and Mexico. The region that the Saguaros can survive in is very limited due to their inability to withstand freezing temperatures. The northern limits of its distribution are on the edge of the Hualapait Mountains in Arizona, and along the Colorado River in southeaster California (2). The largest population occurs in the state of Sonoran Mexico.
Cultivation Notes:
The saguaro cactus propagates in rocky desert terrains with unimproved desert soil (5). It thrives the hot dry climate; therefore, has adapted to its environment, and can absorb up to 200 gallons of water in its vascular tissues. During the rainy seasons, it absorbs the majority of its water, and stores it as reserves to use throughout the entire year. The method of reproduction for a saguaro is through seed production. The saguaro cactus grows under the protection of a “nurse tree” (4). The white flowers bloom, on the saguaro cactus, during late April through June. These flowers are only pollinated at night because this is the time in which they are open; the Saguaro’s pollinators are bats, birds and insects (4). The optimal season to plant a saguaro is during the springtime because the threat of frost is at its least (5). Also, the presence of a nurse plant or the planting of a saguaro out of direct sun is important for growth during the first year of life; it is also recommended to refrain from watering for the first days after planting (5). It is beneficial to water during growing season, but it should be avoided during summer rains.
Ethnobotany:
The saguaro plant provides resources that are used by humans and animals. Humans are able to eat the fruit from the saguaro, which is edible when it is fresh, dried, and baked. The pulp of the fruit can be made into preservatives while the syrup, through fermentation, can be made into wine (6). The seeds from the fruit can be crushed, and prepared into flour. Also, the ribs of the saguaro are useful in house building, as it can act as a roof or fence. Surprisingly, the ribs can also be used as splints for broken bones, musical instruments, games, and animal traps. The stem of the saguaro acts also as refuge for many animals, which provides nesting and hunting grounds for many species of birds (6). Animals can eat the fruit that the saguaro produces, which will provide them with energy and hydration; animals can also eat the flesh of the saguaro when water sources are unavailable in order to avoid dehydration (7). It is impossible to mistake that this plant provides many uses to humans and animals that can help them survive.
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
50 - 100 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
White
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
