Photo: Giant Saguaro

Saguaro cacti are magnificent plants and iconic images of Arizona.  They do not sprout an arm until about 80 years.  The store so much water that they weigh 100 pounds per foot (45 kg per 30 cm).  The can grow to 70 ft. (21.3 m).

The roots extend out about the same distance as the plant is tall, and are only an inch or two below the surface, with no tap root, as the only water is right at the surface.

This photo illustrates a challenge for photographers, however. How does one get a good photo of the blossoms?  The grow only at the top.

This is the beginning of a series to explore photographing saguaros.

We have new travel photos posted at Viva la Voyage from our wonderful trip to Atacama, Chile.