Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea

The Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) has been described as the monarch of the Sonoran Desert, as a prickly horror, as the supreme symbol of the American Southwest, and as a plant with personality.

The Saguaro is renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, shapes that inspire wild and fanciful imaginings. Saguaro cactus, as know as Carnegiea gigantea) are found only in the Sonoran desert. The giant saguaro is the king of cacti.

A full-grown saguaro is usually more than 35 feet in height and is at least 75 years old, sometimes reaching a height of 50 feet and life span of 200 years. Some have arms but all are green and have a wax-like skin that helps prevent water loss.

Rare and endangered this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected within Saguaro National Park since 1933.