MadSci Network: Botany |
Cactus are usually considered rather long-lived perennials. I doubt if anyone has calculated an average age for the couple thousand cactus species. Average age would be difficult to measure because it would likely be a lifetime project for a person, possibly even beyond a human lifetime. The saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) often lives over 150 years (Keasey, 1981). One 44-foot tall saguaro was estimated to be over 300 years old (Hazen-Hammond, 1996). Its average age has probably decreased due to human destruction of its habitat and vandalism. There are lots of internet sites and books on cactus to examine. You might also contact cactus organizations. References Hazen-Hammond, S. 1996. A giant shrugs off vandalism, poaching, tales of its demise. Smithsonian 26(10):76-83 (Jan.) Keasey, M.S. 1981. The Saguaro Book. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt. Cactus & Succulent Society of America
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