Saguaro Cactus. Carnegiea Gigantea Cactus.
The Saguaro Cactus is the spectacular and iconic cactus of the ‘Wild West’ and the largest species in the United States. A columnar cactus, it is very slow growing but extremely long lived and not until it reaches around 50 years old will it start to branch, although some stay as a singular trunk. The skin of the Saguaro is covered in hard spines and flexible bristles as well as a thick waxy coating that prevents water loss and waterproofs the plant. The interior of the cactus is filled with a sponge-like tissue which retains water and as more water gets stored the skin expands.

In late spring older plants annually produce flowers up to 3 inches across, white-cream in colour with a yellow centre on top of the trunks and branches. These are nocturnal but remain open into part of the next day and are followed by fleshy red fruits