THE SAGUARO The Saguaro (saWAHro) begins its life as a tiny seed beneath a nurse-tree, so called because it protects the fragile seedling until it becomes a mighty, tall, column, covered with two-inch long spines. This giant Saguaro is now between 50 and 75 years. It is ready to grow the long, reaching arms for which it is famous. Saguaros can live for as long as 250 years.

The Saguaro has vertical ribs along its trunk and arms; the ribs and outer skin expand and contract, like an accordion. When it rains, the Saguaro can increase its weight by up to a ton. Its root system goes out across the dry desert, making a circle that is as wide as the Saguaro is tall.

When night comes, bats pollinate the large, creamy white flowers. After the flowers, come the crimson-red fruits, filled with seeds. The Saguaro is a source of life to many in the desert: birds nest in holes they peck into the trunk; the Tohono O'odham harvest the fruits; and when the fruits drop, the fruits and the seeds are eaten by many different desert creatures.