Monday, May 5, 2008

"A Bloomin' Giant...! "

Carnigiea gigantea

Become "Saguaro Saavy":

The magnificent Saguaro cactus is composed of a tall, thick, fluted, columnar stem, 18 to 24 inches in diameter, often with several large branches (arms) curving upward in the most distinctive shape of all Southwestern cacti.

Saguaros are slow growing, taking up to 75 years to develop a side arm.

The flower of the saguaro cactus is the state flower of Arizona.

The saguaro cactus typically blooms in May and June.

It is one of the most unique state flowers, and is characterized by having a waxy feel, but fragrant aroma.

There may be hundreds of flowers on a saguaro cactus that bloom just several at a time over a period of more than a month.

The saguaro flowers have a short life; they open at night and close permanently during the next day.

Many of the blossoms will become pollinated and, later in the summer, the flowers become red-fleshed fruits that are enjoyed by the local bird population.

Some specimens may live for more than 150 years... the champion saguaro grows in Maricopa County, Arizona and is 13.8 m tall with a girth of 3.1 m.

Happy Cactus Monday! :)

9 comments:

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Your cacti are excellent, Margaret.

soulbrush said...

absolutely magnificent, i do so loveyour work. happy cactus monday fellow cactuteer.

Sandy said...

What a fabulous botanical lesson and a great specimen in this sketch.

Anonymous said...

Interesting facts about Cactus and beautiful sketch. I had no idea there were so many kinds of Cacti.

sandy said...

Another great cactus Monday.

s

studio lolo said...

I haven't had time to do cactus monday lately...but I sure do love this! Wonderful composition.

Anita Davies said...

Another beauty Margaret!

Margaret McCarthy Hunt said...

This is terrific...so reminiscent of your regular posts But a cactus instead!! LOVING it!

Angie in AZ said...

I just love your work. The cactus are great! And did you know that the Saguaro has to be at least 50 years old before it will produce any blooms? I didn't draw a cactus on Monday but I did photograph one... posted on my blog on Monday! We chose the same exact subject this week too!