19 January 2013

Non-frost-related injury

This saguaro sure looks "head-less" to me! I know it isn't due to the recent freeze but what might have happened to this venerable cactus? Judging by the length of its arms, it is well past 100 years old and seems to be doing well in spite of missing a head!
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4 comments:

  1. KateJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:19 AM

    It hurts, just to look at it!

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  2. Roberta WarshawJanuary 19, 2013 at 6:48 AM

    I was told that if a cactus's arms droop like that, that it is filled with scorpions. I don't know if that is true or not or if they were just pulling my leg.

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  3. Website Editor: WordsmithJanuary 19, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    Hi Roberta, I looked on the Desert Museum website and it said that arm droop like that can be caused by frost damage. Here's the link if you want to read more: http://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/exhibits_desertlooptrail.php

    As for the scorpions, nope, no truth in that one!

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  4. Roberta WarshawJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    Oh good to know. Whenever I am hiking and see one I get nervous and creeped out! So glad it isn't true!

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