What is inside a Saguaro Cactus?
A Mrs. Lawley Inquiry!
Saguaro Cactus
The Saguara Cactus has woody ribs inside that help to support the cactus. When the cactus dies the woody ribs can be used to make roofs fences and furniture.
Saguaro Cactus
This is a Saguaro Cactus that we found in Estrella park on our vaction. It was the woody stalk that was exposed in the tree that led me to my question about cacti.
Saguarao Cactus
This is another Cactus we saw in Estrella park. The hole up in the top led to my knowledge that Gila Woodpeckers created the hole and made it their home.
Gila Woodpecker
A Gila Woodpecker making a hole in a Saguaro Cactus.
Other interesting facts about the Saguaro Cactus
- Can grow to be 18 meters (60 feet)
- Average height 9 meters (30 feet)
- Grows only from seeds
- One deep root up to .6 meter long (2 feet)
- Many small roots that run close to the surface of the ground to collect rain water 10-15cm long (4-6 inches)
- Slow growing
- Can retain as much as 1000kg (one ton) of water after a rainfall
- Outer pulp is waxy and expands when it rains
What is inside a Saguaro Cactus?
- Woody ribs that help support the cactus
- When the plant is dead the woody ribs are used to make furniture, build roofs and fences
- Holes created by Gila Woodpeckers were used when the plant died as the first canteens