This giant cactus has been called
"Natures' Engineering Marvel".
A mature plant, when fully developed will stand 50 feet high with a
diameter at the base of 2 feet. Twelve
arms or more will contribute to the overall weight of 10 to 15 tons. The structural challenge becomes apparent so in an effort to
anchor this towering plant to the earth, a mat of woven roots is set a few
inches under the surface of the ground, running 65 feet in every direction from
the base. This network also forms an
effective moisture gathering network for this giant plant which is 98%
water. Ribs form the basic reinforcement
structure and grow together at the base to form a solid trunk. Rib design at
the junction of arms with the main body becomes complex and a work of art. Saguaro II utilizes this raw beauty of
nature's engineering to enhance the artistic design.
This giant hasn't reached full maturity yet. Notice the start of additional arms on many of the large arms. Also note the woodpecker holes in the arms. These are the front door to a nest burrowed deep inside the wood skeleton of the cactus. The saguaro grows a protective skin over the inside surface of this intrusion to protect against bacterial disease. This skin is a hard leather-like lining and covers the surface of the woodpecker's home. When a saguaro eventually expires and the soft flesh has rotted away these leather-like linings can be seen nestled in the ribs wherever a woodpecker nest had been built. They have been named boots because the woodpecker traditionally built the nest below the opening thus shaping a rounded nest with the entrance joining it at right angle on the top end.
Technical Vessel Information
Size: 60" high, 33" diameter
Weight:
85 lb..
Material:
Sections of saguaro ribs and rib structures at arm junction have been laminated over fiberglass shell.
Finish:
Tung oil was rubbed into wood after finish sanding. All surfaces finished with paste
wax.
More detail can be found on my art at my website <www.apatchablue.com>
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