Organpipe cactus

Appearance

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 thick and grow to a height of 16 feet, however it has been known to reach 23 to 26 feet. These stems rarely branch but rather grow annually from the tip of the last growth. The mature plant can reach a width of 12 feet. Each stem has 12 to 19 1⁄3 inch high ribs that bear dark brown to black spines that turn gray as it matures. It takes 150 years to reach maturity. The older plants produce three-inch funnel-shaped white flowers annually which are open at night and close by the morning and have a purple or pink tint to them. These usually grow during April, May, and June. The organpipe cactus is usually pollinated by bats. The plant also produces fruit about the size of a tennis ball. Beneath the fruit's spiny exterior is red flesh that has been described as tasting better than watermelon. This fruit has traditionally been harvested by the Seris, who call the plant ool [oːɬ], and is used as a medicine.

Naming

There are two recognized subspecies, the type subspecies, "thurberi", is much larger and occurs in southern Arizona, mainland Mexico, and Northern Baja California. The other is "littoralis", which is much smaller and usually grows to around 10 feet. It occurs only in southern Baja California.

Distribution

This species is found mostly in Mexico, mainly in Sonora and southern Baja California. It is also known to the United States, but is much rarer, with the notable exception of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The plant is predominantly found on rocky hillsides up to 3,000 feet in elevation. It is sensitive to frost, so the species is rare in low desert areas, which can be more susceptible to frost. The plant is slow growing, and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. However, when in the seedling stage, it requires shade, and will grow beneath a "nurse tree". It will need this for several years until it grows an adequate root system, which is mostly in the upper 10 cm of soil.