~Ripening Saguaro Pods~

~At Various Stages~


Went up to Stone Canyon again today.
The object of my search were Saguaro seed pods.
Their bright red pods contrasts well with the green cactus.
They are starting to ripen now that they are done flowering.
The black addition to the green pods are dead flowers.
I've photographed these wonderful Saguaro Flowers before.
When the pods mature they will burst open on their own.
Each pod can contain up to 2000 little black seed.
The desert birds and small animals well be well feed then.
At least until all the pods have matured and fallen off.
At that point the cactus will start its growing cycle.
They can grow anywhere from 1 inch to 1 foot per season.
All depends on rain, climate, environment and location.
This photograph is all one cactus.


Thanks, hope you enjoyed looking.