Open to the Sun is a photograph by Lucinda Walter which was uploaded on July 29th, 2013.
Open to the Sun
Bloom of Arizona's State Flower - Saguaro. Photographed in the Sonoran Desert around Tucson, Arizona.
The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea... more
Title
Open to the Sun
Artist
Lucinda Walter
Medium
Photograph - Photography, Digital Art, Fine Art
Description
Bloom of Arizona's State Flower - Saguaro. Photographed in the Sonoran Desert around Tucson, Arizona.
The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the defining plants of the Sonoran Desert. These plants are large, tree-like columnar cacti that develop branches (or arms) as they age, although some never grow arms. These arms generally bend upward and can number over 25. Saguaros are covered with protective spines, white flowers in the late spring, and red fruit in summer. Saguaros are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert. The most important factors for growth are water and temperature. If the elevation is too high, the cold weather and frost can kill the saguaro. Although the Sonoran Desert experiences both winter and summer rains, it is thought that the Saguaro obtains most of its moisture during the summer rainy season. You find this cactus in southern Arizona and western Sonora, Mexico. At the northern portion of their range they are more plentiful on the warmer south facing slopes. A few stray plants can also be found in southeast California.
The saguaro is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. Arizona has strict regulations about the harvesting, collection or destruction of this species. With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live to be as much as 150-200 years old. Saguaro are very slow growing cactus. A 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall. Saguaro can grow to be between 40-60 feet tall (12-18m). When rain is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated it can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds.
All images are copyright Lucinda Walter. The materials contained may not be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or downloaded in any way, shape or form. All rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistribution of any of these images without written permission from the Artist is strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
July 29th, 2013
More from Lucinda Walter
Comments (32)
Lucinda Walter
Thank you very much Larry Kniskern for the feature in the group Go Take a Hike Photography 10/21/2020 I'm honored
Larry Kniskern
Congratulations, Lucinda – your white thing in nature scene has been featured by the Go Take a Hike Photography Group! Feel free to add it to the Featured Images thread in the group discussion board for archive.
Lucinda Walter
Chance Kafka thank you very much for the feature in the group Arizona. 7/22/2020 i"m honored
Debby Pueschel
Oh my Lucinda, this is spectacular! Congratulations on your feature in Beauty of Arizona! FL
Lucinda Walter
Janet Marie, thank you very much for the feature in the group Beauty of Arizona. 7/17/2020 I'm very honored.
Janet Marie
Congratulations! Your artwork has been featured on the Homepage of the “Beauty Of Arizona” Art Group for the week of Friday, (07/17/20). You are welcome to submit your artwork in the Group's discussion thread “2020 Thanks and Features Archive July-Sept." Thank you for sharing your artwork and being a member of the group. like/fave
Lucinda Walter
Thank you very much Jane M Dahl for the feature in the group AMERICAN DESERT SOUTHWEST -- FLORA AND FAUNA 7/12/2020 I'm honored.
Jerry Bokowski
One of the best example of Saguaro blossoms that I have ever seen, Lucinda....it reminds me of the time lapse photography of these opening up in the movie "Desert Dreams" that can be purchased at Saguaro National Park west. Gorgeous light, perfect in every way!........... FAV / like
Lucinda Walter replied:
Jerry, thank you very much for your wonderful comments. So very much appreciated.
Linda Phelps
V. Delightful cactus image. I live the verticale lines of the cactus in the background. Nice detailin in the foreground and the flowers.