Photographer: Giovanni Simeone
Code: PBC503610
The Cardon Cactus (Pachycereus pringlei), practically endemic to Baja California, is the largest cactus, with some plants reaching heights close to 20 meters and weighing up to 10 tonnes! Many of these plants in Baja California have likely surpassed 250 years of age, and after about 100 years, the trunk begins to lignify. However, precise dating of the plant is difficult as there are no rings inside the stem, and the number of arms depends more on wind exposure (more wind = more arms for balance) than on the age of the plant.
The numerous grooves on the trunk create shade, facilitating moisture condensation in the early morning hours, providing the plant with valuable liquid intake. Birds and bats are responsible for pollinating the flowers. Holes dug into the trunk by woodpeckers are often seen, which are frequently used as shelters by other birds, iguanas, and desert mice. In Mexico, the Cardon is considered a "National Monument," and cutting and selling it are prohibited.
