(Photograph = Stenocereus thurberi, Geir K Edland)

Introduction

Stenocereus thurberi, the organ pipe cactus, has narrow stems that rise vertically. Large plants have many stems that collectively give the appearance of organ pipes. The species is mostly confined to Mexico in Sonora and Baja California, but it does grow in far southern Arizona, especially in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.  The species is frost sensitive, which limits its northern distribution.

The Details

Organ pipe cactus stems are 12- to 18-inches thick and grow to 15-ft tall, or a bit more. Exceptionally tall stems over 22 ft have been reported. Large plants are 100- to 200-years old. Mature plants produce 3-inch long funnel-shaped white flowers that open at night in April, May, or June. These flowers are typically bat pollinated and produce tennis ball-sized fruits that ripen a few months later. The fruit is sweet and tasty and is used by Native Americans fresh or to make medicine.

Wikipedia reports that there are two subspecies, thurberi and littoralis. Subspecies thurberi grows in northern Mexico and southern Arizona, whereas subspecies littoralis grows in southern Baja California.

Additional Reading: Organ Pipe Cactus by Corey Reinig