"Crested Organ Pipe Cactus"

This columnar cactus growing as tall as 23 feet. Instead of having a central stem,
however, a cluster of 5 to 20 slender branches grow from a point at ground level and
curve gracefully upward. These water-storing trunks are about 6 inches in diameter
and have 12 to 17 deep-green, rounded ribs. The areoles are set close together with
9 or 10 brown, 3/8-inch radial spines that turn gray with age. Fruits lose their
spines at maturity, opening to display an edible red pulp. This fruit has provided a
food source to Native Americans for centuries. The pulp can be eaten as is, made into
jelly or fermented into a beverage. Range: In a small area of the Sonoran Desert only
from southwestern Arizona to western Sonora, Mexico. Habitat: On south-facing, hot,
sunny slopes from 1,000 to 3,500 feet. Also see Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
and www.desertusa.com/cactus/senita-cactus.html