Pachycereus pringlei aka Cardon Cactus

Pachycereus pringlei, also known as Mexican giant cardon or elephant cactus, is a species of large cactus native to northwestern Mexico. It can be found in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora. The cactus is commonly referred to as cardón, derived from the Spanish word cardo, meaning "thistle". It is also known as sabueso, possibly a Spanish interpretation of the Seri term xaasj. Large stands of this cactus still exist, although many have been destroyed for cultivation purposes in Sonora. The Seri people in Sonora have relied on the cactus fruits as an important food source. The dried cactus columns can also be used for construction and as firewood. P. pringlei has a unique symbiotic relationship with bacterial and fungal colonies on its roots, allowing it to grow on bare rock where no soil is available. This cactus is even capable of breaking down rock to expose hidden sources of nutrients. The symbiotic bacteria are maintained within its seeds, benefiting the cactus throughout its life cycle. P. pringlei is a large, tree-like cactus with dark blue to green stems and reddish to dark brown spines that fade to grey. Mature plants produce nocturnal bell to funnel-shaped white flowers around 8cm in diameter, with greenish to red outer petals. The fruits of this cactus are red and spiny. The Cardon cactus, Pachycereus Pringlei, is a member of the Cactaceae family and is native to Northwestern Mexico. It is known for its impressive size, making it the tallest cactus in the world. Found in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonoran Desert of Sonora, and Southern Arizona, it belongs to the columnar cacti group along with the saguaro. While the Cardon cactus can reach towering heights, other members of this cactus family are often cultivated in more manageable sizes and are popular as houseplants. In summary, Pachycereus pringlei, or Mexican giant cardon, is a remarkable cactus species that plays a significant role in the ecosystems of northwestern Mexico. Its adaptability to grow on bare rock and its symbiotic relationship with bacteria make it a fascinating and important plant. With its impressive size and unique appearance, it remains a symbol of the Sonoran Desert.