Tuesday, January 27, 2009

saguaro awry

Saguaro cacti are often illustrated with two 
arms, in a "stick 'em up" pose; but 
actually they are rarely symmetrical. in fact, 
sometimes saguaros grow in odd, fanned out
 shapes like this one, also called a crested
saguaro. it isn't known whether this results
from a genetic mutation or whether the crest
 is the result of environmental damage like 
lightning or a freeze; but crested saguaros 
are rare.

2 comments:

Sharon said...

I know exactly where this one is located. Nice shot.

Pat said...

Is that the botanical gardens? I heart saguaros.