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Saguaro: Iconic symbol of the southwest

The Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona is home to the giant saguaro (sah-wah-roh) cactus. The average height of the cactus is between 20-30 feet with the tallest reaching heights from 40-50 feet.

The saguaro has become an iconic symbol of the southwest although wild saguaro cacti do not grow in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada or Utah.

Forests of giant saguaro guard the mountain foothills surrounding Tucson, Arizona. Many of these awesome trees have existed long before any of us were born.

A fully grown saguaro is between 100-200 years old. At fifteen, the cactus is one foot tall. A ten-foot saguaro is approximately 40 years old.

Similar to a human baby, the saguaro begins life under the protection of a nurse plant. This plant provides shelter from the scorching heat of the desert sun and from a variety of desert wildlife that eat the young saguaro when other water sources are unavailable. An adult saguaro can store up to 200 gallons of water.

Structurally, these desert skyscrapers are supported by a shallow but wide-spreading root- system. Surprisingly little force is required to topple these towering cacti, yet they survive hundreds of years. Standing tall amidst a parched and hostile landscape, the cactus thrives. The heavens provide water enough to sustain forests of saguaro.

The saguaro flowers (Arizona’s state flower) and fruit provide sustenance for a variety of bats and birds. Woodpeckers bore holes in the ribs to build nests. Since the woodpecker seeks a new nesting place each year, these holes provide little apartments for many other birds and small desert animals.

The saguaro might well qualify as our iconic symbol for Christian living. We, too, strive to become servants planted superficially in this world, yet reaching far among the world; filled to capacity with living water.

Additionally, the resemblance to the cross seems far from coincidental. The woodpecker reminds us that our Lord was pierced for our salvation and that He provides safe haven from worldliness. The saguaro reminds us to stand firm in our faithfulness; to raise our hands in worship and praise; and to become rooted in the Word and not in the world.

Although the saguaro is not listed as an endangered species, they are protected by Arizona law. The greatest threat to the mighty saguaro is human encroachment.