Flat top decay syndrome of the giant cardon cactus of Baja California, Mexico Why the affected cacti disappear (Presentation no. 5) Death pattern of cardons inflicted by any of the three patterns of decay Click to progress

Majestic unaffected cardons These giants are facing destruction because of agricultural expansion in Los Planes, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Branches frequently collapse. These branches never re-root A relatively young cardon died while still standing. The cuticle and tissue dried, disintegrated, and fell. During this period (which can be long), some parts of the plant are still living

After the entire mass of tissue disintegrates, the woody skeleton remained standing The woody skeleton starts to disintegrate. Later the plant completely disappears.

Another common pattern of disintegration after death, where the plant falls and the tissue quickly disintegrates Note the relative resistance of the area of flat top decay to disintegrate.

The woody skeleton on the ground probably survive for a short period before completely disintegrating

This is where the story ends: desert without giant cardon cacti

The end There is so much to do and so little time and few people to properly care for the well being of these extraordinary plants