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26 August 2024
The saguaro cactus ushers in the summer season with its peak bloom period from early May to early June. This brief but spectacular display heralds the arrival of the desert’s intense heat.
Saguaro flowers have a remarkably brief lifespan. Each blossom opens at night and remains open for less than 24 hours. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum notes that while individual flowers are short-lived, the saguaro cactus can produce numerous blooms throughout the season.
Saguaro flowers rely on a diverse array of desert creatures for pollination. Especially, at night, they are primarily pollinated by the lesser long-nosed and Mexican long-tongued bat. According to the U.S. Forest Service, these bats extract nectar and cover their furry heads with pollen, which is then transferred to other flowers as they move from cactus to cactus. During the day, pollination is carried out by bees and birds, including the white-winged dove.
The scent of saguaro blossoms is often likened to a sweet melon. In addition, this enticing fragrance attracts bats and other wildlife, making the saguaro flower a favorite among desert dwellers.
Once pollinated, a saguaro flower transforms into a fruit that splits open upon ripening, revealing vibrant red pulp inside. According to the Desert Museum, each fruit contains approximately 2,000 tiny black seeds.
The Tohono O’odham people have traditionally harvested saguaro fruit, which is significant in their subsistence, spiritual practices, and cultural connection to their environment. The National Park Service highlights that this practice is a time-honored tradition. In addition, obtaining permission from landowners on private property or checking public lands’ regulations is crucial for those interested in harvesting. The fruit ripens from mid-June through July and is a vital food source for desert animals like birds, bats, tortoises, javelinas, and coyotes.
In 1931, the saguaro blossom was officially designated as the state flower of Arizona. It proudly joins other state symbols such as the cactus wren, turquoise, and the bolo tie.
Lastly, saguaro blooms are a common sight throughout much of Arizona. Whether you’re strolling through city sidewalks or exploring the desert expanses of Saguaro National Park, you’re likely to encounter these magnificent flowers decorating the desert landscape.
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