A cactus that had been growing for two centuries in a park in the southwestern United States was uprooted from its trunk by heavy rains in the region, Arizona state park officials said Monday.
“Heavy seasonal rains can quickly impact the desert landscape. The loss of this huge and iconic 200-year-old Saguaro cactus (…) in Catalina State Park near Tucson is a change that regular visitors to the park are not to be missed.” Arizona State Parks wrote on its Facebook page.
a mythical symbol
A photo accompanying the post shows the Saguaro, and its multiple arms, lying on the ground, its trunk ripped out.
The Saguaro cactus can measure more than 10 meters and, when flooded, weigh more than two tons. The plant, which grows between the United States and Mexico, has become a mythical symbol of the American West and in particular of the desert landscapes of Arizona.
“Fortunately, this giant got out of the way and will remain where it landed, providing habitat and food for many creatures while it decomposes,” said Arizona State Parks.
Source: BFM TV
