Saguaro Cactus, Arizona

This plant has been described as a cactus hotel and the King of the Desert. The plant provides shelter, protection and nurishment for animals,reptiles, insects, and peoples of the desert.  The magnificent Saguaro Cactus is the state flower of Arizona and is composed of a tall, thick, fluted, columnar stem, 18 to 24 inches in diameter, often with several large branches (arms) curving upward in the most distinctive conformation of all Southwestern cacti.