Anyone know what this is?

cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

I find this to be an unusual growth pattern:

Think it might growup to be a rare crested saguaro?

More images here:

Cactus

Click to see large size.

Any thoughts?

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Could be a crested barrel cactus -- seems to have a hooked spine

If it is a saguaro -- its one short crested saguaro!
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HUM469 · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Posts: 228 Location: Peoria, AZ

Yes, that is a Saguaro, and apparently it is growing to be crested. Although I could have sworn the malformation does not occur untill they are much older, and therefor taller. But yep, crested saguaro alright, about 10 years old or so. The crest is a result of a genetic mutation, and I have always found them fascinating. Are you willing to share where you found this little guy so I can go check out it's surroundings? I have a theory on their developement and would love to check it out.
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desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

Arizonaheat · Posted: 10/13/2004, 4:02 pm Post subject:

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Hey Cakewalk not to get off subject but are you going to Plan another Quartz Peak hike this year? That was my 1st AZH event last year.

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

I'm with Desertgirl and Captain Heat on this one, I think it's a barrel cactus. A young saguaro would have a nurse plant, there's no sign of one here.
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BoyNhisDog · Posted: 10/13/2004, 4:13 pm Post subject:

If you view the first image in the series, you will clearly see the needles are red and I notice them being hooked also. I would say that is a Barrel.
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Arizonaheat · Posted: 10/13/2004, 4:13 pm Post subject:

here is a pic of a crested barrel in bloom

cakewalk · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 512

So is a crested barrel cactus more common than the sagauro? I cant find any info about crested barrel cacti.

Davis2001r6:
Concerning Quarts peak, I wasnt planning anything, but picacho peak might be fun.

Arizonaheat · Posted: 10/13/2004, 4:53 pm Post subject:

http://www.mineralarts.com/cactus/barrels.html
This is where I found the pic I posted
Have know idea about how common they are.

JW · Posted: 10/13/2004, 9:20 pm Post subject:

HUM469 · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Posts: 228 Location: Peoria, AZ

Perhapse my monitor sucks... that or my eyesight! I cannot get enough resolution to make out a hook on the needles, and I do not trust the color all that much because I don't have mine color calibrated. If you guys can see it, I trust both in your vision, as well as the short comings of my own equipement here.
_________________
-Dylan Anderson
(602) 628-4327
Consultant
Real Estate Executive to AZ
Special Projects Manager, AZCDE.com

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Its a barrel. Disease, freezing or genetics may cause these. Next time you are in White Canyon Wilderness take note there are several crested barrels. Also one near the intersection of Ironwood and Southern (SE cornor) in Apache Junction.