Why do Cacti grow so slow, in particular the Saguaro cactus?
With respect to Rustskip, the soil in which the Saguaro grows is actually very good, the same soil as the Prickly Pear, cotton, citrus, even durham wheat. Anything that can take the heat will grow here as long as it gets enough water. It is an adaptive trait that makes it grow slowly like the Bristle cone pine or Sequoia. There are many plants in the desert which grow as slowly or slower than the Saguaro and climate (long term weather) is the main factor as its genetic evolution has allowed it to adapt to the harsh conditions. Check out; www.desertmuseum.org for factual information on the Southwest deserts (Clemson South Carolina?
