Saguaro Cactus: The Desert Giant

Standing like a statue in the hot desert landscape, a venerable saguaro cactus reaches fifty feet into the air with its armlike branches. Despite appearing completely still and solitary from a distance, this giant tree of the desert is actually teeming with activity. Its spiny trunk and branches serve as homes to a surprising array of animals, while its flowers and fruit provide sustenance for many desert creatures.

Gila woodpeckers and miniature elf owls nest inside the saguaro's trunk, while long-nosed bats and fluttering white doves feed on the nectar from its showy white flowers. Additionally, the Tohono O'odham Indians partake in a centuries-old harvest ritual, gathering the sweet fruit of the saguaro each year.

In the first volume of Sierra Club Books' Tree Tales series, readers will find a simple, easy-to-read text accompanied by appealing drawings that detail the life cycle of this remarkable cactus tree and the diverse creatures it supports. Through this book, readers will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the saguaro, a true giant of the desert that plays a vital role in its ecosystem.

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