~New Saguaro Arm~

~Going To Seed~

This is a new arm appearing on the side of a giant Saguaro.
Not what I would call a pretty picture,
but I was fascinated by the structure of this cactus.
Earlier this spring it flowered, but the blossoms
have long withered and disappeared.
After pollination the base of the flower swells and ripens.
The full seed pods burst open in a flash of red.
This red color helps attract the birds that scatter the seeds.
These arms grow about 4 inches a year and don't start
appearing till the parent cactus is around 75 years old.
Life goes on in the harsh Sanoran Desert
and is renewed with a good deal of energy and vitality.