What Is Organ Pipe Cactus?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is so named

because of its multi-limbed grow habit which does resemble the pipes of the grand organs found in churches

. You can only grow organ pipe cactus in warm to hot climates where there is room for a 26-foot (7.8 m.) tall plant.

Why is it called Organ Pipe Cactus?

The organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is so named

because of its multi-limbed grow habit which does resemble the pipes of the grand organs found in churches

. You can only grow organ pipe cactus in warm to hot climates where there is room for a 26-foot (7.8 m.) tall plant.

What is the organ pipe cactus used for?

Organ Pipe cactus has predominately been used as a

source of calories and hydration in

the desert regions where it has long been grown. Organ Pipe cactus fruit additionally offer some protein and essential oil compounds.

Where is the organ pipe on a cactus?

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monuments Location

Pima County, Arizona

, USA
Nearest city Ajo, Arizona

What does an organ pipe cactus look like?

Organ-pipe cactus typically grows 5–8 metres (about 16–26 feet) tall and features several

to many tall columnar arms arising candelabra-like

from the base or not far above it. The stems range from green to gray in colour and are densely covered with brown spines.

What animal eats the Organ Pipe Cactus?

These animals play an important role in the ecology of the desert and should not be harmed. They include the

roadrunner

, western diamondback rattlesnake, red-tailed hawk, coyote, cactus wren, javelina, desert tortoise, Gila monster, Gila woodpecker and white-winged dove.

How often do organ pipe cactus bloom?

Organ Pipe Cactus can live to over 150 years in age, and will only produce their first flower near the age of 35. Organ pipe cactus will bloom

in May and June

, opening its white, creamy flowers only at night. Flowers will close up again by mid-morning, and very rarely remain open into the afternoon.

How old is a 10 foot cactus?

Height Age (Years) 1.0 foot (0.30 m) 13 5.0 feet (1.5 m) 27 10.0 feet (3.0 m)

41
20.0 feet (6.1 m) 83

Why is it illegal to cut down a cactus in Arizona?

Destruction or theft of a saguaro is

illegal under state law and can result in fines and a class 4 felony

. … “The reason for the law is so we can just give them other ideas, they can move plants on property, they can sell them off the property, there’s a lot of other things they can do.”

How do you water a pipe organ cactus?

Plant it in full sun in sandy or other good draining soil. Water infrequently when soil is dry and do not allow soil to become soggy. In nature, Organ Pipe Cactus

uses rain water only

. When starting it from a seedling, provide Organ Pipe Cactus with a shady spot for a few years until its root system is developed.

How tall do organ pipe cactus grow?

The namesake species of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is the second-largest columnar cactus in the United States and can grow

up to 23 feet tall

.

What is the difference between organ pipe cactus and saguaro cactus?

Organ pipe cactus generally

branch right at the ground and their columns are much narrower than that of the saguaro

. … Saguaros grow their “arms” high on single stem while the pipe organ grows its arms from the base. over a year ago.

Is it safe to visit Organ Pipe National Monument?


Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a safe place to visit

. However, illegal border crossings and activities, including drug smuggling, occur daily.

How much is an organ pipe cactus?

Entrance fees at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument south of Ajo will more than double beginning June 1 — from the current fee of

$12 per vehicle to $25

.

How do organ pipe cactus survive in the desert?

The organ pipe cactus stores water in its stems to survive

the heat and drought of the desert

. It has fibrous ribs running vertically up the stem to help keep it upright. When the cactus dies it leaves behind its bleached ribs. The flower buds of the organ pipe cactus grow from the tip of the stems.

Do bats eat cactus?

Bats are attracted to the smell. They dig their long snout and tongue into the tube-shaped cactus flower reaching for the sweet nectar. They literally get covered in pollen making it easy to distribute to other plants. They also

eat the fruit of cacti

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.