|
The saguaro (, (:saˈɣwaɾo)) (''Carnegiea gigantea'') is an arborescent (tree-like) cactus species in the monotypic genus ''Carnegiea'', which can grow to be over 20 m (70 ft) tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican State of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California. The saguaro blossom is the state wildflower of Arizona. Its scientific name is given in honor of Andrew Carnegie. The common name saguaro came into the English language through the Spanish language, originating in the Mayo language. ==Growth== Saguaros have a relatively long lifespan. They may grow their first side arm any time from 75–100 years of age, but some never grow one at all. A saguaro without arms is called a spear. The arms are grown to increase the plant's reproductive capacity (more apices lead to more flowers and fruit). The growth rate of saguaros is strongly dependent on precipitation; saguaros in drier western Arizona grow only half as fast as those in and around Tucson, Arizona. Saguaro grow slowly from seed, and never from cuttings, and specimens may live for more than 150 years; and grow to be over 40 ft tall. The largest known living saguaro is the Champion Saguaro growing in Maricopa County, Arizona, and is tall with a girth of . The tallest saguaro ever measured was an armless specimen found near Cave Creek, Arizona; it measured 78 feet tall before it blew over in a windstorm in 1986. Whenever it rains, saguaros soak up the rainwater. The cactus will visibly expand, holding in the water. It conserves the water and slowly consumes it. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Saguaro」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|