Saguaro cactus
for beth 
Large
picture above is a section of the top right picture. Note that the
"accordion pleats" are quite sharp and deep in this picture. This was
taken 2 years ago during a time of no rain for many weeks. In the two
pictures on the left (unfortunately, "ugly" cactus plants) the pleats are much less deep and nearly smooth
versus deep pleats. This is due to the plant absorbing the recent rain
water.
To see these effects best, click on the picture, then zoom in on the pleats.
Extra pictures added 1/25/2020Size and structure of Saguaro Cactus
Compare
height with Carolyn
Note
diameter, probably 18" to 20"
Cross
section
"woody" frame
We
found this cut off Saguaro Cactus along the trail. In the cross section you
can see the ring of "woody" frame and the "sponge like" pulp that
holds the water. We were told that a mature Saguaro weighs about 55
pounds per foot when fully hydrated.
More extra information added 2/2/2020
Even today with all of the modern methods and technology,
there is no known way to determine the age of the Saguaro Cactus plant. There
are no growth rings as there are in a tree. Formulas have been developed by botanists
to determine age of a plant. Best estimates are that Saguaro Cactus can live for 200
to 250 years.
Saguaro Cactus seem to prefer to begin life under a “Nurse
Tree”, usually a Palo Verde tree. In a good season, growth can be 2 inches per year.
Another obvious question is Why, Where and When the Saguaro Cactus grows
"arms". The not so expected answer is that the “expert” biologists do not have
any idea of the answer to this question.
Most likely the last "extra information"
added 2/9/2020
The first picture on this page (cactus_full) was replaced with a better picture.
Another unexplained phenomenon is the "Crested Saguaro Cactus"
