Organ Pipe Cactus
The Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is an iconic desert plant with fascinating traits and characteristics.
Unusual Name: The Organ Pipe Cactus gets its name from how its multiple tall, vertical stems grow in a cluster, resembling the pipes of a church organ. These stems can grow up to 26 feet (8 meters) tall!
Night Bloomer: Like many desert cacti, the Organ Pipe Cactus blooms at night. Its large, white flowers are nocturnal, opening in the evening and closing by mid-morning. This is an adaptation to attract bats, its primary pollinators, who are active at night.
Slow Grower: This cactus grows slowly. It may take up to 150 years to reach its full height, and it only starts producing its first flowers when it’s about 35 years old!
Fruit with a Punch: The cactus produces edible fruit, known as “pitaya dulce,” which is sweet and packed with nutrients. Historically, this fruit has been harvested by indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert.
National Monument: The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona is the only place in the United States where this cactus grows naturally. The park, located along the U.S.-Mexico border, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and provides a habitat for a variety of desert wildlife.
Adaptation to Arid Climates: Organ Pipe Cacti have developed unique water storage systems. Their stems are fleshy and ribbed, allowing them to expand when they take up water after rare desert rains. This helps them survive long periods of drought.
