| Organ pipe cactus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| S. thurberi thurberi | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Stenocereus |
| Species: | S. thurberi |
| Binomial name | |
| Stenocereus thurberi | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
List
| |
Stenocereus thurberi, theorgan pipe cactus,[3] is a species ofcactus native toMexico and theUnited States. The species is found in rocky desert. Two subspecies are recognized based on their distribution and height. TheOrgan Pipe Cactus National Monument is named for the species. Cacti are minimally adapted to particular thermal niches, and are tremendously vulnerable to seasonal precipitation.[4]
Its English common name is derived from its resemblance to apipe organ. It is locally known aspitaya dulce,Spanish for "sweetpitaya" or sweet cactus fruit.
This cactus species has several narrow stems that rise vertically, growing from a single short trunk just above the ground level. These stems are about 15 cm (6 in) thick and grow to a height of 5 m (16 ft), however it has been known to reach 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft).[5] These stems rarely branch but rather grow annually from the tip of the last growth. The mature plant can reach a width of 3.5 m (12 ft). Each stem has twelve to nineteen 10 mm (3⁄8 in) high ribs that bear dark brown to black spines that turn gray as it matures. It takes 150 years to reach maturity.[5] The older plants produce 75 mm (3 in) funnel-shaped white flowers annually which are open at night and close by the morning and have a purple or pink tint to them. These usually grow during April, May, and June. The organ pipe cactus is usually pollinated by bats. The plant also produces fruit about the size of a tennis ball. Beneath the fruit's spiny exterior is red flesh that has been described as tasting better than watermelon.[6] This fruit has traditionally been harvested by theSeris, who call the plantool[oːɬ], and is used as a medicine.[7][8]
There are two recognized subspecies:[9]
| Image | Subspecies | Description | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) | Stenocereus thurberi subsp.littoralis(K.Brandegee) N.P.Taylor | Smaller plant 3 m (10 ft) | grows in the Cape region of southern Baja California. |
 | Stenocereus thurberi subsp.thurberi | Larger Plant | southern Arizona, mainland Mexico, and Northern Baja California[7] |
This species is found mostly inMexico, mainly inSonora and southernBaja California and Northern Sinaloa.[10] It is also known to the United States, but is much rarer, with the notable exception ofOrgan Pipe Cactus National Monument. The plant is predominantly found on rocky hillsides up to 900 m (3,000 ft) in elevation. It is sensitive to frost, so the species is rare in low desert areas, which can be more susceptible to frost. The plant is slow growing, and prefers well-drainedsoil and full sun.[6] However, when in the seedling stage, it requires shade, and will grow beneath a "nurse tree". It will need this for several years until it grows an adequate root system, which is mostly in the upper 10 cm of soil.[11]
