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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monumentphoto of colored clouds behind an organ pipe cactus during sunrise
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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Cacti
Our namesake, the organ pipe cactus.

J. Craig, NPS Volunteer

Our namesake, the organ pipe cactus, is rarely found in the US

Cacti of the Monument

There are 28 different species of cacti in the monument, ranging from the giant saguaro to the miniature pincushion. These cacti are all highly adapted to survive in the dry and unpredictable desert. They use spines for protection and shade, thick skin and pulp to preserve water, unique pathways of photosynthesis at night, and hidden under their skin are delicate to sturdy wooden frames holding them together.

Day or night, the summer display of many different cactus blooms is one of the desert's flashiest spectacles, as the brilliant flowers of yellow, red, white, and pink bring color to the landscape. It is a show upstaged only by the springtime explosions of gold poppies, blue lupines, pink owl clover, and other annuals after a wet winter. 

 
Organ Pipe Cactus Blossom, open only at night.

Andy Fisher, NPS photo

The Organ Pipe cactus opens its blossoms only during the cooler evening hours, for one night only, closing early in the morning. 

The more common cacti species found within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument include:

  • Organ Pipe (Stenocereus thuberi)
  • Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantean)
  • Senita (Lophocereus schottii)
  • Chain Fruit Cholla (Opuntia fulgida)
  • Teddy Bear Cholla (Opuntia bigelovii)
  • Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opunita engelmannii)
  • Hedgehog (Echinocereus species)
  • Pincushion (Mammillaria species)
  • Arizona Barrell (Ferocactus wislizenii)
 
Coyote  

Did You Know?
Coyotes are highly intelligent animals that are well adapted to survive in almost any environment. They are among the most common animals spotted in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and you might hear them "singing" on any given night.

Last Updated: April 13, 2009 at 15:57 EST