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)

Tags:   saguaro cactus park Arizona hike San Tan Valley sky Luminar 4 flight stream blue desert Crested Saguaro explore explored cristate

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I had to really push hard to stop this boulder from toppling over on a hike in Arizona north of Phoenix.
:-))

Tags:   Arizona Balanced Rock hike granite stone Scottsdale Phoenix sky jb

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Hike to the Marcus Landslide, Phoenix, Arizona on a perfect day
www.mcdowellsonoran.org

On Explore Feb 18/20 (#29)

Tags:   Scottsdale Phoenix McDowell Sonoran Preserve Arizona desert hike saguaro cactus landscape trail Nikon Z7 bush

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McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Arizona

Tags:   sky clouds cactus cacti desert landscape B&W Black and White McDowell Sonoran Preserve Nikon Z9 panorama scene view Arizona hike

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Interesting rocks that look like mushrooms or toadstools

Tags:   landslide Marcus Landslide granite rocks mountain slide Arizona Phoenix Nikon Z9

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