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An adaptation to a water-poor environment is the reason for the hourglass ripple that characterizes the maturing saguaro cactus (Carnegeia gigantea).
Specifically, the phrase "hourglass ripple" is another phrase for cactus ribbing. The saguaro cactus has ribbing, to deal with the low moisture and rainfall world in which it is found. The ribbing lets the cactus decrease in size with less water reserves inside, and increase with more storage. It also helps the cactus minimize the amount of surface evaporation that otherwise takes place on a flat surface.
On a flat surface, the sun's rays equally reach all parts. So the most amount of moisture is lost. The sun's access is not equal on the cactus' ribbed, hourglass surface. So the least amount of moisture is lost.
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The world's supply of which cactus grows in the Sonoran Desert?
The saguaro cactus.
What desert is home to the magnificent saguaro cactus?
The saguaro is a cactus of the Sonoran Desert primarily.
What are the top 5 populations in the Saguaro Desert?
There is no such place as the "Saguaro Desert." The saguaro is a large species of cactus that grows in the Sonoran Desert.
In what state is the giant saguaro cactus located?
This gigantic cactus can be found in desert regions of Arizona, S California, and Mexico,
Is it true that when a saguaro cactus is 75 years old it grows its first branch?
No, it may take over 100 years for the cactus to sprout its first arms.
Where does the saguaro cactus blossom grow?
The blossom of the giant saguaro cactus [Carnegiea gigantea] grows on the stem tip in late spring. This doesn't happen until the cactus is at least 40 years old. The creamy white blossoms take on the shape of large funnels. They're called bat blossoms.
What is a saguaro cactus?
Saguaro is a large, tree-sized cactus species in the monotypic genus Carnegiea.
How slow does a saguaro cactus grow per year?
Saguaro are very slow growing cactus. A 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall. Growth rate depends upon precipitation.
Where can you buy saguaro cactus pieces?
In the United States the saguaro grows naturally in Arizona. However, it is illegal to remove a saguaro from the desert without permission and only for a legitimate reason (eg: The cactus is falling into a roadway or home or needs to be removed for construction.) It is also illegal to remove even the dead wood from a saguaro cactus from the desert, The only alternative would be to purchase a saguaro from a nursery, let it die and decay for a few years and then remove the dead wood pieces. Considering the high cost of a live saguaro from a licensed nursery, this does not seem to be a viable option.
Why is it illegal to remove a saguaro cactus?
The saguaro only grows in the deserts of Arizona. If they were not protected, commercial cactus nurseries would quickly remove the plants to sell for landscaping across the warmer regions of the southwest. Texas has no such rules and areas that were once covered by a variety of cactus species and other desert vegetation are now devoid of these interesting plants.
What eats prickly pear cacti in the desert?
There is no such place as the Saguaro Desert. There is the Sonoran Desert where the saguaro cactus grows. Some small animals such as rodents and rabbits feed on the prickly pear as well as javelina, deer, pronghorns, bighorn sheep and tortoises.
What is the name of the 45 foot tall giant cactus of Mexico?
Carnegiea gigantea is the scientific name of the 45 foot tall giant cactus of Mexico. The giant saguaro cactus is the common name. The cactus also is found in the southwestern United States of America. It's a towering plant that grows steadily and that may live for more than 100 years.
