Exploring the Beauty and Diversity of Tucson's Desert Plants

I traveled to Tucson, Arizona for work and opted to stay at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort due to its amenities and breathtaking views of the Catalina Mountains. It offers a serene escape amidst natural splendor. I hiked along the resort’s nature trail, which leads to a waterfall and links to the Ventana Canyon trail. It was here that I experienced the beauty of the Sonoran desert landscape.

Ventana Canyon Waterfall

I came across the saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea), native to the Sonoran Desert. This tree-like cactus is one of the largest in the United States, often reaching up to 40 feet in height. I was surprised to learn that a cactus could grow so tall. Additionally, I discovered that after the saguaro's lifespan of 150-200 years, its "woody ribs" can be used to construct roofs, fences, and furniture.

I didn't take any photos of the saguaro cacti. Instead, I captured images of smaller plants: barrel cacti, mammillaria nunezii, aloe vera, and dyckia. 

The golden barrel cactus is the most well-known. All barrel cacti have a ribbed look due to the vertical ribs along their bodies. These ribs enable the cactus to expand and store water during rainfall, helping them endure dry and hot climates. In spring, the barrel cactus blooms in a variety of beautiful colors. As the flowers fade, small pineapple-shaped fruits may appear. If left undisturbed, these fruits can last for a year. Typically, the fruit is not eaten because it is quite dry and bitter. However, I discovered that Native Americans gathered the fruit as emergency food during severe droughts.

Barrel Cacti

Barrel Cacti with Fruit

The next group of desert plants includes Aloe Vera, Mammillaria Nunezii, and Dyckia. Aloe vera is a widely recognized cactus globally, primarily used for treating skin ailments. Its tips turn red when exposed to direct sunlight due to the release of anthocyanin, a natural response to protect against ultraviolet rays. Mammillaria nunezii is called the "crown-wearing" cactus. It puts on a display in early summer with magenta funnel-shaped flowers forming a crown around the top of its stem. Dyckia grows in clumps and thrives in clusters, with saw-like leaves featuring a series of teeth extending to each leaf tip. In the fall, it produces flower spikes and orange blooms. Known as the "red devil," it is very red and pugnacious.

Aloe Vera

Mammillaria Nunezii

Dyckia

These are just some of the numerous desert plants found in and around Tucson, Arizona. If you get the chance to visit Tucson, venture outside the city to uncover and photograph its beauty.

~lo