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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Stenocereus thurberi (Engelm.) Buxbaum
Organpipe cactus, Organ-pipe cactus
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonyms: Cereus thurberi, Marshallocereus thurberi
USDA Symbol: STTH3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
This tree-like cactus, 9-20 ft. tall, bears many branches from its short-trunked base. Lavender flowers bloom nocturnally. The red, fleshy fruit is edible.
This cactus branches at the base, which gives the stems the appearance of organ pipes. Since these sentinels of the desert are very sensitive to severe winter frosts, they are found only in the warmest parts of the Sonoran Desert. They do occur in extreme southern Arizona, where they are celebrated at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. In Mexico, the large, delicious fruits are made into a candy called pitahaya dulce. The nocturnal flowers are beautiful and often attract bats.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Size Notes: Columnar plant 6½-10ft tall, with branches 6in across.
Flower: Flower approximately 3 inches long.
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal
Distribution
USA: AZ , TXNative Distribution: Sonora Desert in AZ & Baja CA
Native Habitat: Deserts to 3000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Very frost sensitive. Minimum temperature 50F.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ
Bibliography
Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles GlassSearch More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1996 VOL. 13, NO.5 - Bats as Cacti Pollinators, Fall Foliage Hotlines, Creating Fall Foliage Leafprin...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Stenocereus thurberi in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Stenocereus thurberi in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Stenocereus thurberi
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-10-06Research By: TWC Staff
