The Organ Pipe Cactus is one of the
larger
 members
of the Cactus Family. It is easily identified by the fact that it
usually has many thick stems to 8 inches in diameter which grow upwards
from a central location to a height of up to 20 feet. In the US, the
plant can mainly be found within the boundaries of Organ Pipe National
Monument in southwestern Arizona, which was established in order to
protect this species. Preferred habitat consists of rocky desert and
hillsides at elevations between 1000 - 3500 feet.
|
The Sanborn Long Nosed bat is the
most important pollinator of the Organ Pipe Cactus. |
The Organ Pipe Cactus typically blooms
between May - June and produces pale lavender, funnel shaped flowers
to 3 inches in width which grow along the sides and tips of the stems.
Flowers are followed by a red, spherical, spiny fruit to 3 inches in
diameter. |
