Saguaros have a relatively long life span. They take up to 75 years to develop a side arm. Tonto National Forest, AZ.

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Saguaros have a relatively long life span. They take up to 75 years to develop a side arm. The arms themselves are grown to increase the plant's reproductive capacity (more apices equal more flowers and fruit). The growth rate of saguaros is strongly dependent on precipitation; saguaros in drier western Arizona grow only half as fast as those in and around Tucson, Arizona.

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Size: 2823px × 4256px
Location: Tonto National Forest, AZ.
Photo credit: © Morey Milbradt / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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