Stenocereus thurberi

This cactus species has several narrow stems that rise vertically, growing from a single short trunk just above the ground level. These stems are about thick and grow to a height of , however it has been known to reach . These stems rarely branch but rather grow annually from the tip of the last growth. The mature plant can reach a width of . Each stem has twelve to nineteen high ribs that bear dark brown to black spines that turn gray as it matures. It takes 150 years to reach maturity. This fruit has traditionally been harvested by the Seris, who call the plant ool , and is used as a medicine. Image:Stenocereus thurberi.JPG|Organ pipe cactus stem Image:Stenocereus thurberi-flower.jpg|Organ pipe cactus flower ==Subspecies==

There are two recognized subspecies: ==Distribution==

This species is found mostly in Mexico, mainly in Sonora and southern Baja California and Northern Sinaloa. It is also known to the United States, but is much rarer, with the notable exception of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The plant is predominantly found on rocky hillsides up to in elevation. It is sensitive to frost, so the species is rare in low desert areas, which can be more susceptible to frost. The plant is slow growing, and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. File:Stenocereus thurberi kz01.jpg| Stenocereus thurberi in Tillotson Peak Wayside in Organ Pipe Cactus Wilderness, Arizona File:Glandulicereus thurberi (5769184920).jpg|Adult plant growing in Guamuchil, Sinaloa File:Glandulicereus thurberi (5782823382).jpg|Habitat in Viscaino, Baja California Sur File:Large Organ Pipe Cactus And Brittlebush Flowers Ajo Mountain Drive Organ Pipe Cactus National Monu (137310847).jpeg|Plant growing in habitat along with Encelia farinosa in Ajo Mountain drive, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument ==Taxonomy==

George Engelmann first described this species as Cereus thurberi in 1854. In 1961 Franz Buxbaum placed the species in the genus Stenocereus. Its English common name is derived from its resemblance to a pipe organ. It is locally known as pitaya dulce, Spanish for "sweet pitaya" or sweet cactus fruit. ==See also==