Cactus – King of Desert Flora

The fruit of many species of cactus is edible. This fact has played a large part in the settling and use of the desert lands. The abundance of fruit bearing cactus around Tucson no doubt accounts for it being one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth. The cactus also offered pre-mechanized man many other bounties. The wood of the Saguaro is highly prized, and quite strong. The spines were used as needles, and as fasteners. And some cactus fibers can be made into a strong material that has many uses. And of course, water. Cactus hold water. And when you live in the desert, and you get thirsty, cactus water will do just fine. The Saguaro can easily hold a ton [literally] of water inside of its waxy trunk and branches. A skilled desert-dweller knows just how to extract a lifesaving drink from a plump Saguaro. Many species of cactus will reluctantly surrender its stash of water to those who know how to get it.

The 'bark,' or outer skin of the cactus is waxy. It has a very pleasing feel, and is perfectly evolved to protect the plant, and retain water. The bark of the cactus allows the plant to expand as it absorbs and holds life-giving water. Some cactus, such as the Saguaro Cactus and the organ Pipe Cactus have accordion-like exterior bark structures. This also allows the cactus to absorb and hold more water. As the plant stores more water, the 'pleats' in the bark become less prominent.

Many life forms depend on the cactus for food, shelter, and protection. Some animals, such as the Cactus Wren, (the state bird of Arizona) live solely in and on cactus. Other birds that enjoy cactus living are the Gila Woodpecker and the Gilded Flicker. Both of these woodpeckers excavate extravagant homes inside cactus such as the Saguaro. Living in a cactus provides a natural form of defense against many predators. Few animals of any size at all can scale the slick, spiny bark of a cactus. Ground dwelling animals find refuge under cactus, especially the species of cactus that have a broad ground base, such as the pancake cactus. Everything from insects to lizards and rabbits hide within the spiny shelter of cactuses. Even the talented and tenacious coyote, a primary desert predator, cannot grab a rabbit hiding deep within the protective fortress of a sprawling cactus base.

The Saguaro makes a wonderful addition to any city landscape. There are companies which specialize in extracting them from one place, transporting them, and replanting them in another location.

Cactuses are truly one of nature's most amazing creations. The next time you venture out into the desert, take a closer look at these fascinating plants.

For additional information or reading:
Benson, Lyman The Cacti of Arizona (The University of Arizona Press, 1981) ISBN 0-8165-0509-8 - Comprehensive presentation on Arizona species.

Anderson, Edward F. The Cactus Family (Timber Press, 2001) ISBN 0-88192-498-9 - Excellent text with superb illustrations.

The Cactus & Succulent Society of America - an international organization dedicated to education, protection and preservation of some of nature's most unique creations: Visit the website

British Cactus and Succulent Society. Visit the website

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END NOTES:
The Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) is a medium-sized woodpecker that inhabits the desert areas of the southwest including the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Return to Article

The Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides) is a large woodpecker living in the Sonoran Desert region. Return to Article