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My good friend Jocelyn at TBG

Jocelyn is Director of Communications at Tucson Botanical Gardens

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Uploaded on Jul 17, 2009

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Crested Saguaro at TBG

Even when saguaro cacti grow in their normal form, they rarely grow symmetrically. Saguaros sometimes grow in odd or misshapen forms. The growing tip occasionally produces a fan-like form which is referred to as crested or cristate. Though these crested saguaros are somewhat rare, over 25 have been found within the boundaries of the park. Biologists disagree as to why some saguaros grow in this unusual form. Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of a lightning strike or freeze damage. At this point we simply do not know what causes this rare, crested form.

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Uploaded on Jul 17, 2009

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Slipper Plant at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Slipper Plant or Candelilla has wonderfully odd-looking, bird-like, orange flowers. The closed flower buds look like Arabian slippers or bird heads with a reddish beak and an orange crest.
Not only do Slipper Plants or Candelillas have interesting candle-like stems and bird-like flowers, these plants are also amazingly easy to grow here in Arizona, requiring little water or care. They are also very easy to propagate by stem cuttings, making these plants quite economical (buy one and get many).

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Uploaded on Jul 16, 2009

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Slipper

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Uploaded on Jul 16, 2009

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