It only happens in one of every 200,000 plants.
The saguaro cactus usually grows straight and tall, adding branching arms starting at age 75 or so. It will likely live to age 200.
The tip of the main stem and of each arm is a single point of growth, but somehow that point has mutated into a growth "line" in this spectacular plant.
The result is called a Crestate Saguaro.
This magnificent specimen grows on the western flank of Golden Gate Mountain in the Tucson Mountain Range. It's only a short hike from my home behind that ridge you see there.
One of the joys of choosing the quiet community of Tucson Estates II for your winter home is the accessability of the 44,000 acres that comprise Tucson Mountain Park, which in turn abuts Saguaro National Park West. It's home for me. Don't consider buying a home in Tucson without checking it out. And call me for financing.
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert.
One in 200,000 plants eh? Nice pictures sir as always and the story to go with. Now to go to work on being the oddity in real estate.
Don,
Thanks for being the first to comment! Go get 'em!
Mike in Tucson
Mike - great picture, how tall do these things get?
Larry,
Most of them are higher than telephone poles. I've read that they get up to 50' tall, and they weigh tons!
Mike in Tucson
So that's what you call one of those: "Crestate" I never knew that! Thanks for the knowledge (as usual).
Kent,
There you have it! Thanks for commenting.
Mike in Tucson
All we have around here are boring pines trees! Siiiiggggghhhh
Mike- you know I've lived here my whole life and I've never seen one of those! Great story!!
Mike: Thanks for the intersting information. We have visited Tucson several times and were fortunate enough to see this crestate on one of our visits. You are truly priviliged to live in such spectacular surroundings!
Mollie,
That we are! Thanks for stopping by to comment. Drop me an email through Active Rain, and we'll send you a photo.
Mandi,
One person has documented 1,300 of them around Tucson.
Joan,
Time for a visit? :)
Mike in Tucson