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, about 2000 have been found. 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.

This photo was taken during a hike in the San Tan Valley, Arizona, with the Sun Lakes Hiking club that I have joined. I have tried Luminar 4 for the first time to "create" an alternate sky as there were no clouds that day.

On Explore Feb 14/20 (#3)

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Make:	NIKON CORPORATION
Model:	NIKON Z 7
Exposure:	0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture:	f/10.0
ISO Speed:	100
Focal Length:	70 mm
Lens:	NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S