Carnegiea gigantea | Cactaceae | saguaro
|
|
|
|
Perhaps one of the most famous species of cacti is the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), the state wildflower of Arizona, and the emblem of the desert Southwest. The saguaro is an endemic species that is only found within the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California. As the state wildflower, it produces a beautiful white inflorescence that only blooms at night.
Due to its sparse distribution, saguaro are a protected species. Collection, vandalism, or other destruction of wild specimens are criminal offenses punishable by a prison sentence up to 3 years and 9 months long, and government tags are required to purchase or transport adult cacti. Although it is legal to purchase saguaro grown in captivity through seed, the species is capable of surviving up to 150 years, and is incredibly slow growing, rarely exceeding a few inches tall for several years. As a result, illegal removal and sale of adult cacti continues to occur, only exasperating the demand for saguaro in captivity.
However, the cacti possess ethnobotanical value beyond their horticultural admiration. Historically, all part of the species have been used by Indigenous people, including the flowers, fruit, seeds, thorns, ribs, and flesh. The Western Apache, Hualapai, Yavapai, Pima, and Tohono O’odham are several of the many tribes that have valued the saguaro for food, medicine, fiber, religious ceremony, and its important role in the desert ecosystem.
Many saguaro cacti can be found throughout the University of Arizona Arboretum grounds, with several large specimens located within the Krutch Garden.
Due to its sparse distribution, saguaro are a protected species. Collection, vandalism, or other destruction of wild specimens are criminal offenses punishable by a prison sentence up to 3 years and 9 months long, and government tags are required to purchase or transport adult cacti. Although it is legal to purchase saguaro grown in captivity through seed, the species is capable of surviving up to 150 years, and is incredibly slow growing, rarely exceeding a few inches tall for several years. As a result, illegal removal and sale of adult cacti continues to occur, only exasperating the demand for saguaro in captivity.
However, the cacti possess ethnobotanical value beyond their horticultural admiration. Historically, all part of the species have been used by Indigenous people, including the flowers, fruit, seeds, thorns, ribs, and flesh. The Western Apache, Hualapai, Yavapai, Pima, and Tohono O’odham are several of the many tribes that have valued the saguaro for food, medicine, fiber, religious ceremony, and its important role in the desert ecosystem.
Many saguaro cacti can be found throughout the University of Arizona Arboretum grounds, with several large specimens located within the Krutch Garden.
You can learn more about Carnegiea gigantea by visiting the Plant Science Club and Arboretum webpages!
