AZ,
Saguaro National Monument,
Saguaro
Cacti growing to 50 feet are the world's tallest.
The giant of the desert is the 50 foot,
8 ton, Saguaro cactus. Defending itself against drought,
disease, and insects by an extremely thick outer skin.
Surviving in this arid climate by the ability to store
water to survive months of drought. Saguaro cacti are at
the base of this desert ecosystem and its almost
indestructable defenses allow it to live for up to 200
years. It is the slowest growing of all cacti and may only be 8 inches high after 10 years.
The saguaro provides a needed shelter to many animals and without it they would not survive. Retreating under the shade of its branches or
burrowing homes into its thick fluted trunks as the
red-headed Gila woodpecker does.
For most visitors the best time to
visit this park is in May with cooler temperatures and
beautiful blooming cacti. Prickly pear, cholla, and
saguaro cactus all bloom in May with brilliant bouquets
of white and yellow flowers. A display that is designed
to attract insects for quick pollination in the short
blooming season. At the end of summer the saguaro produces a sweet edible red fruit that the local Indians use for food and to make wine.
AZ,
Saguaro National Monument
Most of the desert wildlife restricts its activity to sunrise and sunset (the cooler parts of
the day to conserve water). These heat resistant, water
conservers include the scorpions, tarantulas, lizards,
and snakes. 
Coyotes are the largest predators of Saguaro
but are extremely wary of humans and it is very rare to
encounter one. Camping is limited to backcountry only. Saguaro National
Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ
85730-5601 (520) 733-5153.www.nps.gov/sagu. Some excellent additional photos can be viewed at www.terragalleria.com.
