The Saguaro cactus

Cactus fun

1. Saguaro Cactus Alex Chase

2. Located in the Sonoran Desert In western Arizona and northern Mexico Lives only in the desert Location

3. Can live to 150-200 years old Can grow to 40-60 feet tall but a 10 year old plant maybe only 1.5 feet tall Can weigh up to 3200-4800 pounds if fully hydrated Most important factors for growth are water and temperature General Info.

4. Native birds carve out holes in the cacti to make nests Gila Woodpeckers, purple martins, and finches The cactus repairs this damage by sealing the inside of its fibers and creating scar tissue to prevent more water loss Nests

5. The Saguaro Cactus is a keystone species It provides shelter and food for many organisms Keystone Species

6. Cold weather and frost can kill the saguaro, so high elevation is a factor Decline in Species

7. Largest cactus in the USA After death its woody ribs can be used to build roofs fences and parts of furniture Produces flowers and fruit Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep but stretch out as far from the plant as it is tall There is one deep root, or tap root, that extends down into the ground more than 2 feet Interesting Facts

8. http://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Saguaro%20Cactus.php http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/saguaro_cactus.htm http:// www.ehow.com/info_12022901_eats-saguaro-cactus.html www.desertmuseum.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguaro http://animals.pawnation.com/animals-eat-desert-pocket-mice-4525.html www.orangedonkey.net commons.wikimedia.org   www.123rf.com www.flickr.com www.tjsgarden.com Bibliography