Nature Of Arizona An Introduction To Familiar Plants, Animals, & Outstanding Natural Attractions

PALMS, YUCCAS AND CACTI These common desert plants are familiar sights since most have been widely transplanted in urban areas. All are evergreen and differ from other trees by having trunks that lack growth rings. Saguaro, Carnegiea gigantean Size: To 50 ft. (15 m) Description: Upright, stout trunk is ribbed vertically. Trunk usually grows 'arms' when 50-100 years old. Waxy white flowers bloom in May and are succeeded by fleshy red fruits in June. Habitat: Rocky desert soils in southern Arizona. Comments: The symbol of southwestern deserts, the saguaro is an important food source and nesting site for desert animals including woodpeckers, martins, owls, lizards and wood rats, to name a few. The fruits are used to make jellies and wine.Kavanagh, James is the author of 'Nature Of Arizona An Introduction To Familiar Plants, Animals, & Outstanding Natural Attractions', published 2006 under ISBN 9781583553008 and ISBN 1583553002.