Arizona giant cactus
Carnegiea gigantea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Arizona giant cactus, scientifically known as Carnegiea gigantea, is a cornerstone of Southwestern ecosystems. Beyond its iconic stature, this saguaro holds traditional medicinal significance. Indigenous cultures have historically utilized its fleshy pulp, fruits, and flowers to treat various ailments, showcasing the profound intersection of desert ecology and ancient healing.
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Sage-Of-The-Desert · Giant Saguaro
- Scientific synonyms
- Pilocereus Giganteus · Cereus Giganteus · 2 more
Names
Common Names
- sage-of-the-desert
- Giant Saguaro
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Saguaro
- Sahuaro
- Saguaros
- Cereus giganteus
- Pilocereus engelmannii
- Pilocereus giganteus
German:
- Saguaro
- Sahuaro
- Cereus giganteus
- Riesenkaktus
- Rooksbya
- Riesenkaktus
- Sahuaro
French:
- saguaro
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Carnegiea giganteaSynonyms
- Pilocereus giganteus
- Cereus giganteus
- Carnegiea gigantea f. aberrans
- Carnegiea gigantea f. cristata
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Carnegiea gigantea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Caryophyllales. It is further categorized into the family Cactaceae and the genus Carnegiea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Cactaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Carnegiea | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the arid regions of the Southwestern United States. In this country, its presence is specifically noted in the states of Arizona and California. The distribution extends southward into the diverse landscapes of Mexico. Within Mexico, the species can be found throughout the Northeast region. Additionally, it inhabits various areas across the Mexico Northwest.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern U.S.A. | Arizona | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
Chemicals
Carnegiea gigantea has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-Methoxytyramine, Arizonine, Carnegine, Gigantine, Salsolidine.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Methoxytyramine | Lloydia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Arizonine | Lloydia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Carnegine | Lloydia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gigantine | Lloydia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Salsolidine | Lloydia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dopamine | Lloydia (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |