… was first proclaimed Saguaro National Monument on this date in 1933. It became a national park in 1994.
This unique desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic saguaro. Visitors of all ages are fascinated and enchanted by these desert giants, especially their many interesting and complex interrelationships with other desert life. Saguaro cacti provide their sweet fruits to hungry desert animals. They also provide homes to a variety of birds, such as the Harris’ hawk, Gila woodpecker and the tiny elf owl. Yet, the saguaro requires other desert plants for its very survival. During the first few years of a very long life, a young saguaro needs the shade and protection of a nurse plant such as the palo verde tree. With an average life span of 150 years, a mature saguaro may grow to a height of 50 feet and weigh over 10 tons.
I’m afraid I will have to take exception to the statement “a young cactus needs a nurse plant”. However, young saguaros are usually found hidden away beneath a palo verde or other shrubs.
Doves eat saguaro fruit. Doves roost in palo verde trees. Doves poop seeds which are not digested. Hence young saguaro
cactus under palo verde trees.
Indians have always harvested the fruit and discarded seeds. The reservation west of Tucson has many young saguaros, few trees.