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(Stenocereus thurberi)
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)
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Robert Webster
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Robert Webster
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Robert Webster | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Robert Webster | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-03T23:17:08-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Stenocereus thurberi, commonly known as Organ Pipe Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to rocky desert hillsides and arid plains in the Sonoran Desert of the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. It is characterized by its unique growth form with several narrow, columnar stems that rise vertically from a single short trunk just above ground level. These stems are about 15 cm (6 in) thick and typically grow to a height of 5 m (16 ft), though they can reach 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft) in ideal conditions. The Organ Pipe Cactus takes about 150 years to reach maturity, indicating its slow growth rate.
The plant produces 75 mm (3 in) funnel-shaped white flowers with a purple or pink tint annually, which are nocturnal, blooming at night and closing by morning. Flowering occurs during April, May, and June, and the flowers are primarily pollinated by bats. Following pollination, the cactus bears fruit resembling a spiny tennis ball, with red flesh inside that is said to be very tasty. The Organ Pipe Cactus is valued for its unique form and the striking visual interest it adds to xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and desert landscapes. It is also used for habitat restoration within its native range. This cactus requires well-drained soil, thrives in full sun, and can tolerate part shade. It is drought-tolerant, needing very low to low amounts of water once established. Seedlings, however, need the protection of a "nurse tree" for shade and support until they develop a sufficient root system, which is mostly in the upper 10 cm of soil. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered and damage from freezing temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant produces 75 mm (3 in) funnel-shaped white flowers with a purple or pink tint annually, which are nocturnal, blooming at night and closing by morning. Flowering occurs during April, May, and June, and the flowers are primarily pollinated by bats. Following pollination, the cactus bears fruit resembling a spiny tennis ball, with red flesh inside that is said to be very tasty. The Organ Pipe Cactus is valued for its unique form and the striking visual interest it adds to xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and desert landscapes. It is also used for habitat restoration within its native range. This cactus requires well-drained soil, thrives in full sun, and can tolerate part shade. It is drought-tolerant, needing very low to low amounts of water once established. Seedlings, however, need the protection of a "nurse tree" for shade and support until they develop a sufficient root system, which is mostly in the upper 10 cm of soil. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered and damage from freezing temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 12-16 feet
- Width: 8-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rocky desert hillsides and arid plains in the Sonoran Desert
Other Names
Common Names: Organ-Pipe Cactus, Pitayo Dulce, Mehuelé, Pitahauya, Pitahaya Dulce, Órgano Marismeña, Orgelkaktus
Scientific Names: , Stenocereus thurberi, Pachycereus thurberi, Pilocereus thurberi,
GBIF Accepted Name: Stenocereus thurberi (Engelm.) Buxb.