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In many ways, the Saguaro fulfills the cactus icon of  Southwestern United States, and it comes as no surprise that it is so frequently used in advertisements.  As one of the giants of the cactus specimens,  it can grow to almost sixty feet tall.  Its average lifespan is around sixty years, although a few plants  can easily make it to over a hundred years.  The state of Arizona is the perfect place to see these plants at their best, and if you  are around during April to June, you will be excited to see their beautiful white flowers.  By the end of June, spectacular red fruits begin to appear, much to the delight of the birds and other animals.  The fruits are also important in the practical culture of Native Americans. https://youtu.be/K9Is8_nx60E https://youtu.be/cPaH5IZ08js

Country:  USA    State:  Arizona     City:  Tucson Tucson is situated in the Sonoran desert, and is surrounded by five mountain ranges. Its rich cultural heritage include Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American influences.  It is blessed with sunny days almost all the year, and it offers the perfect outdoor leisure experience for any visitor. If you are new to Agaves, the state of Arizona is well suited to offer you an education. With a rich xeric landscape you will encounter a wide cross section of plants, and many other succulents.  It also provides a excellent mix of museums and gardens for added information. AGAVE PALMERI  This was my first Agave hunt in Arizona, and there was a lot of excitement building in me. The last time I visited Tucson, many years ago, I had hiked around the East Saguaro National Park, but that was non-specific, and dominated by the large Carnegiea Giganteas. This time was different, an...

THE SAGUARO CACTUS - CARNIGIEA GIGANTEA The Saguaro is the largest cactus in the United States, and reaches a height of mid-thirties to forty feet. Lucky ones more grow even taller, to a height of fifty feet. They are seen at their best in southern Arizona. Head for Phoenix and Tucson, and you would encounter many on your way. Or better still, visit the Saguaro National Park. When young they look some what different from the giant adults. They also need a degree of protection from animals and very extreme weather. When old enough, they produce white waxy flowers in early summer, followed by starling red fruits later. It takes the saguaro many years before they begin to branch. Most of the ones you come across will generally be of one stem, because their survival is never guaranteed.

The Saguaro National Park I have always had a lifelong ambition of visiting the Saguaro National Park. And after years of procastination, I decided the time had come to make the trip. Less than two weeks ago, on February 8, I started on this venture, which would no doubt involve a lot of flying across the Atlantic. From London Gatwick it was a ten hour flight to Dallas Fort Worth. Then I had to hang around the airport for four long hours waiting for my connection to Tucson. Eventually at 6.35 pm we were on our way. After three hours I had arrived, and was heading for the Red Roof Hotel where I was staying. My initial response was that Tucson was very flat, and indeed, well laid out. But because of jetlag, that first night I was in a bit of daze, and I headed straight to bed, very early. Early the next morning I ventured on a quick tour of the city, and decided to leave the saguaro visit to the weekend. As I had sensed, the city was very widely laid out, a striking contrast to the mount...