Second Stop
CRISTATE SAGUARO—This abnormal growth, called a cristate, is of rare occurrence. Many theories have been advanced as to what causes these “crests” but none hold true in all cases. Although the cause is unknown, the pattern of their growth is simple. Instead of growing in three directions the cells of a cristate grow only upward and outward in two. This results in a fan-shaped malformation with a long growing line in the center of the upper edge. Although a cristate may apparently develop from an injury, there is every reason to believe that, once established, the tendency to cristate becomes a genetic character. Seed from cristates often produce cristate plants. An excellent specimen of cristate Barrel Cactus may be seen at the entrance to the Nature Trail.
Third Stop
NATURE TRAIL—Along this 300-yard trail you will find most of the important plants native to the Cactus Forest. Each plant is labelled with both common and scientific names, together with much additional information.
THE DESERT AND THE MOUNTAINS
The Tanque Verde (green tank) and Rincon (inside corner) Mountains are an important part of Saguaro National Monument. This is presently the “back country” of the monument. The mountainous section has a wide variety of interests in the field of biology. The range of climates and life zones combine to make one of the most interesting stories to be found in any of your national parks or monuments.
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SAGUARO NATIONAL MONUMENT ACREAGE—63,000 ELEVATION—2,600 to 8,590 ft. N.W. CORNER EL. 2,600 FT. RINCON CREEK PANTANO WASH AGUA VERDE CREEK CACTUS FOREST LOOP DRIVE OBSERVATION HILL OLD SPANISH TRAIL VISITOR USE BLDG PARK HEADQUARTERS LUNCH AREA DESERT TO MOUNTAIN HWY. JUNIPER BASIN EL. 3,000 FT. MICA MTN. EL. 8,590 FT. FOREST USE AREA RINCON PEAK EL. 8,465 FT.
