Wonders of God's Creation: The Desert Cactus

There are about 200 species of cacti native to North American deserts, ranging from the tiny pincushion to the mammoth saguaro. All of these were created for hot, dry environments where rain might only come once a year. If cactus plants were unprotected, desert animals would soon eat them. However, God has covered them with bristles and spines. Many small birds do find refuge in them, building nests among the bristles, where they are safe from predators.
Throughout southern Arizona and northern Mexico, as well as part of California, huge saguaros grow. Some of them reach 75 feet, though the average is 40 feet, and some live over 200 years. The special feature about the saguaro is its ability to store water. God has provided it with a network of shallow roots four to six inches beneath the surface. In larger plants, these roots may stretch over an area of 100 square feet or more. When it rains on the sandy soil, these roots soak up the water and transport it into the plant. The plant stores the water in its spongy stem, making it look very plump and smooth. During a heavy rain, a ton (2,000 pounds) or more of water might be collected into the stem, enough to last for a whole year. Saguaros also have a single taproot that goes down a little deeper to get to water farther below the surface.
Looking closely at a saguaro, it looks like a coat of wax has been sprayed on it. This wax surface restricts water transpiration, or vapor loss, through the surface.
The strength of the tall saguaro lies in strong ribs that run its full length. Native Americans often used these woody, strong ribs for construction material around their homes.
Woodpeckers drill holes into the sides of the trunk and branches, making nests in the soft, fleshy structure, which other birds move into as they are vacated. Normally, decay would set in at such points, but the Creator has made them so a layer of scar tissue immediately begins to cover the wound. In a short time a smooth, waterproof surface has formed around the opening.
Sometimes Christians refer to this world as being a desert place. We must admit that the world can never satisfy the deep needs of our hearts. Only the Lord Jesus can give us “living water” (John 4:1010Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (John 4:10)). He said, “Whosoever [drinks] of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:1414But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)). Only He can truly satisfy the thirst of our hearts for love, belonging and hope.
Did You Know?
Some saguaros reach 75 feet, though the average is 40 feet, and some live up to 200 years.
Messages of God’s Love 9/28/2025