Cacti

Since moving to Arizona, THC has learned a bit about cactus, including that cacti is its plural.

We have seven varieties of cactus on our property and this time of year is when it blooms.

Saguaro

The Saguaro is the largest cactus in the Americas and is only found in Sonora and Arizona, where it is the official state wildflower. Its arms only start appearing when it is 75 to 100 years old and the plant can live for several hundred years.  Ours may be about 300 years old.

Organ Pipe

The Organ Pipe is a relatively rare cactus and protected by law.  Southern Arizona is home to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  The plant takes 150 years to mature.

Barrel



The origin of the name should be obvious from its shape.

Cholla

Don't get too close to this one or the next on the list as their needles are hard to see and extend out further than you think.

Pencil Cholla


Totem Pole
 

Prickly Pear