Organ Pipe Cactus by danapommet

Photography • Flowers/Plants • posted on Jan 24, 2011

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Description

The Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is a species of cactus native to the United States and Mexico and is found in rocky desert. This cactus species has several narrow stems that rise vertically, growing from a single short trunk, just above the ground level. These stems are about 6 inches (15 cm) thick and grow to a height of 16 feet (5 m), however it has been known to reach 23 to 26 feet (7 to 8 m)., These stems rarely branch. The mature plant can reach a width of 12 feet (3.7 m). It takes 150 years to reach maturity. The older plants produce three-inch (8 cm) funnel-shaped white flowers annually which are open at night and close by the morning. They usually grow during April, May, and June. The organ pipe cactus is usually pollinated by bats. The plant also produces fruit about the size of a tennis ball. Beneath the fruit's spined exterior is red flesh that supposedly tastes like watermelon. This photo was taken in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, along the Arizona – Mexico border in the winter of 1996 and scanned. Information from Wikipedia. Zoom to see many Saguaro cactus in the background. Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana

Comments (25)

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Faemike55

11:34PM | Mon, 24 January 2011

Cool capture and interesting information....and the music is spinel tap

whaleman

11:51PM | Mon, 24 January 2011

This is an interesting type of cactus, and a great shot of it!

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bimm3d

12:05AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

wonderful photo and great info!!

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mgtcs

12:41AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Another super photo Dana, gorgeous one!

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Katraz

1:10AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Great shot Dana, a bit to big for my greenhouse though.

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ledwolorz

1:18AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Fantastic capture.

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0rest4wicked

1:34AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

I loved this NM, and this is a fine looking specimen!

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pixeluna

2:47AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Very nice capture, Dana. This is home to me, love the colors and that wonderful perspective!

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mariogiannecchini

2:58AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Fantastic capture !

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jayfar

3:45AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Super capture of this fascinating plant.

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durleybeachbum

4:00AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

What a sight! Superb shot!

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TallPockets

8:05AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

EXCELLENT work and narrative!

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MrsRatbag

8:46AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

LOL @ Mike! This is a great shot, I've seen a lot of these out there but never knew their name.

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Rhanagaz

9:24AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Great capture! That what can be called a long "puberty" ;o)

KnightWolverine

10:49AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Talk about a nightmare flashback...I spent 2 full days back in my early(drinking days)20's in a hospital bed getting over 150 of these little pricks(pun intended) out of my back side..mostly my butt...after falling in a drunken stupor one late night at a after bar party...wanna good way of sobering up quick....fall into one of these baby's....lol...I'd like to tell you nice capture Dana....butt I won't....hehehe...

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Flint_Hawk

11:13AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Splendid speciman! Fascinating information!

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jendellas

11:45AM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Amazing pic!!!!

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flavia49

12:13PM | Tue, 25 January 2011

nice capture

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kbrog

12:29PM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Wonderful capture! :)

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Erestorfan

12:31PM | Tue, 25 January 2011

Very nice! I don't think I've ever seen a pic of one of these cacti before. Interesting that it is one of the plants that bats pollinate instead of birds. Nice shot!

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