Thursday, April 23, 2009

No X-Ray vision needed

Beside a healthy, growing Saguaro cactus are the skeletal remains of another Saguaro. When tipped over and lying on the ground, I think they resemble driftwood, but standing tall, you can see how they formed a stable structure for this cactus to live many years. Saguaro don't grow their first arm until they are 65-75 years old!

11 comments:

  1. wow, then these are very old! What a cool image!

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  2. Good capture, Val! I find that lots of time, these cactus "shells" are more interesting the the cactus!

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  3. It is quite interesting to see the 'before' and 'after' views. Fascinating plants...

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  4. Great photo! I had no idea they didn't get arms until they were so old.

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  5. Beautiful "Desert" shot, composition and detail shown is superb.

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  6. Beautiful photograph!! This almost looks petrified (not scared!!).

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  7. Fascinating! When I was in Tuscon I learned that the Saguaro are protected and even taking the decaying skeletal remains off the ground is forbidden.

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  8. Nice capture. Yes they are protected. Aren't too many left and the birds and air pollution are destroying them.

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  9. What a great shot and take on the theme. I don't know if it still happens but I remember seeing people dig them in the wild to sell to developers.

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  10. This is very interesting with great composition.

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  11. I have never seen a cactus skeleton before! Cool!

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