Today’s Saguaro comes to us from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale. Because I live near the preserve, and frequently ride my mountain bike in the preserve, there’s a good chance we’ll be using cactus from there in future editions. The city of Scottsdale is currently building the Gateway Access Area along Thompson Peak Parkway, just north of Bell Rd. Although I still think we paid too much for the land for this location, it’s going to be a welcome access point when complete.
At any rate, for those NOT in Arizona, you may think that every saguaro has arms. Most often a saguaro is photographed because it has lots of arms hanging off, creating interest, so today I thought I’d show perhaps one of the larger saguaro you will ever see that doesn’t have any arms. I realize there’s nothing to give scale to this beauty, but she stands approximately 25 feet tall by my reckoning. I could be off by a bit, but trust me when I say, this saguaro dwarfed me.
Not much is know about the development of arms, what causes them, and when, but give this saguaro looks pretty healthy, I would think arms will likely start budding soon…maybe within the next 10 years or so. I say soon for a saguaro, as saguaro are estimated to live as long as 150 years, and may take as long as 75 years to develop arms. Enjoy!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Steve, This Saguaro should be the Official Icon for our Regional MLS. It’s ARMLS. LOL
Bob- that is priceless. Thanks for the chuckle.