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Arizona

Kali

(55,989 posts)

8. saguaros don't really have tap roots

Reply to marybourg (Reply #5)

Fri Oct 18, 2024, 01:13 PM

Oct 2024

they have widespread shallow roots so they can suck up scarce rainfall fast.

we are losing them more to the excessive heat than actual drouth. their cells can't handle it either. add in a few winter frosts and the tissue damage gets colonized by bacteria and they just sort of liquefy and fall apart.

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Highlight:

Feeling old, like you're falling apart? Here's your spirit cactus. [View all] Ptah Oct 2024 OP

My mother in law has lived in Arizona for 30 years and had orange, grapefruit and a lemon trees kimbutgar Oct 2024 #1

This is so freaking depressing. Native Oct 2024 #2

That was a beauty wryter2000 Oct 2024 #3

This one is probably 150 years old. Ptah Oct 2024 #4

Over the years, all of my saguaros have died. They were all marybourg Oct 2024 #5

This saguaro must be 150 years old. Ptah Oct 2024 #6

Yes, maybe in its original site, and never transplanted. Or maybe transplanted marybourg Oct 2024 #7

saguaros don't really have tap roots Kali Oct 2024 #8

My saguaros that have died and been dug up marybourg Oct 2024 #9

Four days later, it's getting worse: Ptah Oct 2024 #10