The Sacred Saguaro

Discussion Time ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Discuss with your partner what you think a Saguaro is ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Have you ever seen this image?? If so, tell the class more!!

The Saguaro is the largest cactus Species in the United States!!! Since it’s the largest, do you think it is found all over the United States? Take a second to observe the beauty and the unique traits of this plant

Believe it or not… SONORAN DESERT As most of us have seen these unique cacti on television shows, in restaurants, or in many other places, Saguaros are only located in the SONORAN DESERT The Saguaro is dominantly located in Arizona, and is also found in a small portion of Mexico and Southern California

A Saguaros Environment Only can survive in a climate that is hot and dry In the Saguaro region (AZ) weather will hit over 100 degrees for 6 months of the year, and the average rainfall per year is in between 3-15 inches, where mot rainfall happens during monsoon season A saguaro also helps animals and critters survive in this wrenching heat by providing shelter, food, and shade.

The Eccentric Body Style and Lifespan Lives to be up to 200 years old By age 70 Saguaros begin to produce their own fruit Saguaros grow to be about 6 and a half feet tall A fully grown Saguaro is on average 40 feet tall An average fully grown Saguaro between 3-5 tons! This is due to water storage weight Their roots are only 3 feet deep! There is an average of 5 arms per cactus, were they start developing their first arms around age 90 It takes some Saguaros 10 years before they even reach an inch of height!

A Saguaro Cactus has many uses, ESPECIALLY coming from the fruit that grows from it The fruit has a mild sweet taste with seeds that provide a nutty flavor The health benefits include: Vitamin C Helps boost immune system Contains hydrating properties Contains B12 Avoid strokes and maintain central nervous system High in fiber Improves digestive system Helps to prevent cholesterol block in arteries and cardiovascular diseases

WOULD YOU EAT A FRUIT FROM A PRICKLEY CACTUS?! TIME FOR A Class Vote https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb_Of3xG-NA

Lets take a blast to the past!!! Discuss with your partners aspects of the Native American culture we learned about in our last unit Do you think the Native American Tribes located in Arizona have ways they use this fruit for traditional rituals?

A Tohoko O’odham tribe member states YES! NATIVE AMERICANS HAVE MANY USES FOR THE SAGUARO FRUIT In practice of sustenance, religion, and reaffirmation, they use extensive processes to harvest the fruits and seeds Fruit can be used to make jams, jellies and wine that is used for cultural reasons Source of medicine Spines can be used for sewing And, of course, for eating. A Tohoko O’odham tribe member states “You eat the perfect ones on the spot, turning your back to the other harvesrers. You chew the oily seeds into thick syrup before you swallow. It feels luscious and wicked…” (nps.gov, para. 15)

How the spines are important to a Saguaros survival Without these brutal spines on a saguaro, this cactus would be ENDANGERED! Two inch spines Covers the cactus head to toe The large spines are hard and flexible Small spines serve as flexible bristles Without these spines: the saguaro would have no way of protecting its water storage inside Animals would commonly feast, which would result in a slim saguaro population Spines are the only way that saguaros can protect themselves be being feasted on by animals, or picked at by humans.

Random Facts A saguaro needs the specific climate and slim water fall to survive The interior of the cactus is filled with sponge like tissue, allowing saguaros to store massive amounts of water, bringing them to a massive size weight The flower that blossoms after the fruit is Arizona’s state flower, where flowering occurs between April and June Bats commonly feast on the flower nectar, and are vital sources in saguaro flower pollination

All in all, the Saguaro is an amazing plant that is unique only to the Sonoran Desert Saguaros develop many traits that make the Arizona desert distinct Saguaros contain many health benefits Saguaros have many uses in the Native American Tribes

FOR YOUR EXIT WORK Now when you see this figure You will know what it truly is Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat when in AZ! On a half sheet of paper, write 5 facts you learned about the Sacred Saguaro and why you think some plants only can survive in certain regions Have a great weekend!!!! 