The saguaro is the largest cactus in the USA, commonly reaching a height of 12 meters and an age of up to 200 years.

Saguaros produce bell-shaped flowers in spring which are visited by bats, bees and doves.

When pollinated, they give rise to succulent fruits which split open to reveal a red, juicy pulp containing up to 2000 small, black seeds which are eaten readily by many birds, mammals and insects.

Seed dispersal is achieved mainly by birds (Gila woodpecker, white-winged doves, house finches) and germinate rapidly (about 5 days) in response to late-summer rains.