Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusCarnegiea
Speciesgigantea
CategoryTropicals
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginIt is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, United States of America and the Mexican state of Sonora.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The fruit is edible and prized by local people. The ribs were used for construction and other purposes by Native Americans.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneCool season protection required under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-12 - 5
Temperature (°F)10 - 40
Height12 - 21 m
Spread3 - 5 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright and rounded.
LandscapeDesert gardens and container planting.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationFull sun. Moist and well-drained soils with a pH of 6.1 - 7.8 (mildly acidic, neutral and mildly alkaline). Drought tolerant.
Notable SpecimensDesert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America.
HabitatIt is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, United States of America and the Mexican state of Sonora.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe trunk bears dense, strong and thick spines.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers open well after sunset and close in mid-afternoon. Flowers are self-incompatible.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is 6 - 9 cm long and ripen in June. Each fruit contains 2000 seeds and sweet fleshy connective tissue.
Colour DescriptionThe flowers are white. The fruit is red.

Photographs