Saguaro Skeleton

by Mary Kay Fosnacht

24” x 32” (61 x 81 cm)

The Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is an interesting species. They are native to the Sonoran Desert which is very close to where we spend time while in Arizona. Saguaros can grow to be over 40 feet (12 meters) tall and can live 150 - 200 years. They can be extremely slow growing depending on the amount of moisture they acquire. In the first 10 years they typically grow 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). If a saguaro has arms you know it is over 60 years old.

While hiking, we occasionally come across dead saguaro’s. What remains are the “ribs” which formed the skeleton of the cactus. These ribs are as long as the cactus and have a density similar to that of a hardwood. More info about the saguaro can be found HERE.

The saguaro is dye-painted and appliquéd. This piece is inspired by a photo taken by myself in Cave Creek, AZ.

In process: