As Arizona’s summer temperatures continue to break records, Arizona’s saguaro cacti, an iconic symbol of the American West, are being subjected to unrelenting heat. Scientists’ observations have revealed alarming signs. Towering cacti are leaning, dropping their arms, and sometimes completely collapsing.

Tania Hernandez, Phoenix’s sprawling 140-acre researcher desert botanical gardenThe country, home to more than two-thirds of all cactus species, expressed concern on Tuesday. Hernandez said the summer monsoon rains, a vital lifeline for desert vegetation, unfortunately fail to fall year after year.

The result is an unprecedented survival test for cacti, not only in the vast deserts of Arizona, but also in bustling cities like Phoenix.

“These plants are adapted to this heat, but at some point the heat has to go down and the water has to come,” Hernandez explained.

Extreme heat continues

A 25-day heat wave of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in Phoenix has raised serious concerns about the future of the saguaro cactus. These majestic giants can be over 40 feet (12 meters) tall, a testament to nature’s resilience in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

At the Desert Botanical Garden, a team of plant physiologists diligently study the heat tolerance of these cacti. In the past, these desert guards were believed to be ideally equipped to withstand high temperatures and severe drought. But Arizona’s current heat wave calls this long-standing assumption into question.

Full impact on saguaro cacti unknown

Although cacti are uniquely adapted to desert conditions, they still have their limits. These plants rely on cool nights and occasional rain or fog to escape the scorching heat. Without this critical grace, the cactus suffers internal damage.

“If a plant is currently suffering from prolonged periods of excessive heat, it can take months or even years to die,” Hernandez warned. This means that the full impact of this relentless heatwave may not be immediately apparent and may pose a latent threat to local ecosystems.

living lab

In the city center, Phoenix’s urban cacti are closely watched. The metropolis acts as a heat island, with concrete and asphalt surfaces absorbing and radiating heat, making it hotter than the surrounding rural areas.

This makes Phoenix an ideal location to study the potential effects of future climate change on desert plants, Hernandez said. The saguaro and other cacti here act as living laboratories, reflecting the high temperatures wild plants are expected to face as climate change progresses.

The plight of the saguaro cactus highlights the pervasive impacts of climate change and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate their impacts. This issue goes beyond species loss. It represents a disturbing disruption in the harmony of ecosystems that have evolved over thousands of years.

Like many other species around the world, the future survival of the saguaro cactus is in a precarious balance at the forefront of the global climate crisis.

Learn more about the saguaro cactus

The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) stands as the iconic plant of the Sonoran Desert, an icon of the American Southwest. Known for their large size and distinctive silhouette, they live in the arid, desert regions of Arizona, Sonora, Mexico, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County regions of California.

Features of Saguaro Cactus

The saguaro is an impressive specimen, exceeding 40 feet (12.19 m) in length, and in exceptional cases reaching 60 feet (18.29 m). Saguaro cacti have an average lifespan of 150 to 200 years, although individuals have been documented living over 250 years.

Saguaros have thick, waxy skin designed to retain moisture, an important adaptation to desert environments. They boast an extensive root system consisting primarily of shallow roots that spread out to absorb rain quickly and deep taproots to anchor heavy plants and access deeper reservoirs.

Cacti have a fold-like structure that swells when it absorbs water and shrinks during drought. A fully hydrated saguaro weighs 3,200 to 4,800 pounds (1,450 to 2,170 kilograms).

growth and regeneration

Saguaro is a slow growing plant. In his first decade, Saguaro grows only 1 to 1.5 inches tall. After about 75 years, the saguaro begins to develop characteristic branches, or “arms.” The number and pattern of these arms varies greatly from individual to individual, further adding to their uniqueness.

Breeding is by flowering of white flowers that serve as the official state flower of Arizona. Flowers bloom at night in late spring to early summer and close mid-afternoon. Bats, birds and insects, especially long-tailed bats, play an important role in pollinating these flowers.

After successful pollination, the fruit develops and matures as a bright red, pulpy mass. The fruit contains thousands of tiny black seeds, characteristic of the cactus family. The Tohono O’Dum Nation in Arizona traditionally picks this fruit.

ecological role

The saguaro cactus makes an important contribution to the ecosystem. They act as host plants and provide food for a wide variety of desert wildlife. Birds such as Sidgera and Purple Martin often nest in cacti, and their fruits and flowers are food for many animal species.

conservation and threats

Despite their resilience, saguaro cacti face several threats such as habitat destruction, illegal logging and climate change. Prolonged drought, high temperatures, and wildfires associated with climate change are having a major impact on saguaro populations.

Saguaro is protected under the Arizona Native Plant Law. Saguaro National Park in Pima County, Arizona is an important reserve dedicated to the preservation of these majestic cacti.

cultural significance

Saguaros are important in the culture and lore of the region’s indigenous peoples, such as the Tohono O’odum and the Pima. Its towering presence in the landscape has also made it popular in photography and artwork that embodies the spirit of the American Southwest.

In summary, the saguaro cactus is a testament to the tenacity of life, with its towering height, distinctive shape, and ability to withstand harsh desert environments. Not only do they play an important role in ecosystems, but they are also important cultural symbols, making their protection even more important.

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