This is a very unique crested Saguaro cactus that has many bird holes burrowed into it. Saguaro cacti are home to many critters and the bird nests, surprisingly, do not harm the Saguaro. Cactus Wrens and Gila Woodpeckers often make their home in Saguaros.
I used the term crested but the term used to describe the undulating folds in the cactus instead of the typical arms being produced is Fasciation. Fasciation is caused by mutation of cells, infection or chemical or mechanical damage to a plant. In some plants it is an inherited trait. Seeing these crested saguaros is rare.
Compare today's photo with the photo of a normal Saguaro, which I previously posted.
28 comments:
A very interesting picture, I have never seen a cactus quite like this. I would be interested to see more pictures like this, especially one in macro.
What a bizarre-shaped cactus! This is definitely the weirdest cactus I've ever seen. Good picture, by the way, it looks gigantic!
il semble très torturé comme cactus, c'est bien chaque cactus est différent, cela fait de beaux paysages
it seems very tortured like cactus, cacti each well is different, it's make a beautiful landscapes
My goodness, I thought the Jardin Exotique had some amazing plants, this surpasses anything...extraordinary and fabulous.
It´s very original. Curious ways reminiscent of the head of an animal. Nature is a great artist.
You are always finding the neatest things to photograph. This kinda looks like bullwinkle.
The crested top provides a much larger area for birds to burrow into for a nest. Saguaros are popular nesting sites because the moisture stored inside makes them much cooler than the surrounding hot desert air.
Wow, I had no idea that birds would have nests like these! It's a beautiful cactus.
What an amazing difference between the two photos (I'm referring to the link). I appreciate not only the pictures but the commentary you add...such good information. I find the strange "growth" fascinating, and how wonderful that the cacti can act as housing for birds! Clearly, and unusual bird tenement!
An amazing "freak" of nature. Very beautiful.
Fascinating photograph. I love the green growth across the top. It gives me much to think about.
Is this one at the Botanical Gardens? I must have missed it when I was there las tmonth. But Chihuly was distracting me..
This one is amazing! I have two crested Euphorbias but pretty small compared to the Saguaro... Great shot!
Great shot. The first time I saw one of these I thought it was deformed and I guess in a way, it is.
One of my favorite.
Wonderful post, great image of an extraordinary cactus!
Fascinating post about cactus, and a beautiful photo to go along with it :-)
Oh wow...more bird nests! That is a very interesting cactus.
Yesterday's post reminds me of anEaster Egg hunt. The cacti photo is really unique. Lots of birds nest space.
I've never seen such an extraordinary cactus. I t looks like a strange tree with little cacti on it. Phantastic nature.
This is incredible... and it looks huge!
Love to learn about a city from our blogs. That is one of the best parts about participating. Are they sure this cactus is not a mutation or hybrid?
I love saguaros. Yes, I do. But, I don't like the crested ones.
Fascinating. I can't remember seeing that kind of cactus.
This is the kind of quirky I absolutely love finding. Dozens more photos could be taken of this cactus.
Most excellent! Great photo of a facsinating specimen.
That is an amazing cactus! I bet it's quite a sight in the flesh!
Such interesting plant life you have in Arizona.
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