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Organ Pipe Cactus

February 25, 2010 by 17 Comments
Sonoran Desert

in the Sonoran Desert

The Organ Pipe Cactus is one of the giant cacti, second in size only to the more iconic Saguaro. Instead of having a single trunk with branches, the organ pipe has 6 to 20 stems all growing from a central trunk. It will typically grow about 15 feet tall, though specimens have measured more than 20 feet in height.

Its habitat is limited to Sonora and Baja California, Mexico, and southwestern Arizona. In the United States, the largest number are found in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument located near the Mexico/Arizona border.

Filed Under: Nature Explorations Tagged With: , , ,
About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Anna Surface says
    February 25, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Wow! Look at that cacti! I bet it was a sight to see. Amazing plants, actually. Say, I really like the header, Bo.

    Reply
  2. Anna Surface says
    February 25, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Wow! Look at that cacti! I bet it was a sight to see. Amazing plants, actually. Say, I really like the header, Bo.

    Reply
  3. Montucky says
    February 26, 2010 at 12:18 am

    I had all but forgotten those, Bo. I’ll bet, somewhere in my old file of 35mm slides, I have photos of those same cactus! Good memories.

    Reply
  4. Montucky says
    February 26, 2010 at 12:18 am

    I had all but forgotten those, Bo. I’ll bet, somewhere in my old file of 35mm slides, I have photos of those same cactus! Good memories.

    Reply
  5. Susan says
    February 26, 2010 at 7:09 am

    Wonderful, joys of nature! These are amazing:)

    Reply
  6. Susan says
    February 26, 2010 at 7:09 am

    Wonderful, joys of nature! These are amazing:)

    Reply
  7. Gandalf says
    February 26, 2010 at 8:19 am

    Beatiful image, and I see you’ve switched from winter to hopeful in the header. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Gandalf says
    February 26, 2010 at 8:19 am

    Beatiful image, and I see you’ve switched from winter to hopeful in the header. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Marcie says
    February 26, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    I learn so much as you share with us your travels. What an exquisite cactus plant. WOW!

    Reply
  10. Marcie says
    February 26, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    I learn so much as you share with us your travels. What an exquisite cactus plant. WOW!

    Reply
  11. Molly says
    March 1, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Interesting plants, cacti. I never knew there were so many varieties before I started viewing all of your photographs.

    Reply
  12. Molly says
    March 1, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Interesting plants, cacti. I never knew there were so many varieties before I started viewing all of your photographs.

    Reply
  13. Debi says
    March 3, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    I love these organ cacti almost as much as I love the saguaros! Great pic…makes me long for Arizona!

    Reply
  14. Debi says
    March 3, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    I love these organ cacti almost as much as I love the saguaros! Great pic…makes me long for Arizona!

    Reply
  15. Bo Mackison says
    March 3, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Debi – makes me long for Arizona, too. I am going through a massive withdrawal…:-)

    Reply
  16. Bo Mackison says
    March 3, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Debi – makes me long for Arizona, too. I am going through a massive withdrawal…:-)

    Reply
  17. Sue says
    March 7, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    Very interesting. I learn something nearly every time I visit your blog! 🙂

    Reply

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