What are the physical differences between Cardon Cactus and Saguaro Cactus?
The Cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) and the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) are both native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. They are both tall, columnar cacti that are known for their distinctive appearance and ability to store water in their swollen stems.
One of the main differences between the two cacti is their size. The Cardon cactus is the largest cactus species in the world, with some individuals growing up to 60 feet (18 meters) tall and weighing as much as 10 tons. In contrast, the saguaro cactus is typically shorter, with a maximum height of around 50 feet (15 meters).
Another difference between the two cacti is the shape of their stems. The Cardon cactus has a thicker, more columnar stem with prominent ribs and spines. The saguaro cactus has a more slender stem with shallow ribs and fewer spines.
The flowers of the two cacti are also different. The Cardon cactus has large, white flowers that are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, while the saguaro cactus has smaller, yellow flowers that are typically less than 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
Finally, the distribution of the two cacti is slightly different. The Cardon cactus is found in a smaller area, primarily in the Baja California Peninsula and the northwest region of the Mexican state of Sonora. The saguaro cactus, on the other hand, has a wider distribution, ranging from the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and California to parts of northwest Mexico.