Saguaro Cactus: Cultural Significance and Propagation Techniques in the Sonoran Desert

Abstract

The saguaro cactus (Carnegia gigantea [Engelm.] Britt. & Rose [Cactaceae]) is a prominent indicator species of the Sonoran Desert. It is also a unique and highly valued plant of important cultural significance to the Tohono O’odham tribe that has its roots in the Sonoran Desert. Saguaro ribs are used as construction materials and the fruit is used to prepare food or beverages. Seed propagation techniques have been evaluated at the Tucson Plant Materials Center in order to determine and describe an efficient method to produce saguaro plants.