The organ pipe cactus is a rarity in the USA and this National Monument protects the majority of its population.  Flowers open at night and attract insects and bats which serve as pollinators, as the day heats up the flowers close.  The organ pipe fruit provides food for birds and other animals, serving as an important part of desert survival.  Native Americans have also used these fruit as nourishment.  With multiple 6" columns that grow from the base these cactus can grow to be 23 feet high and takes 150 years to reach maturity.  

Our small group tours of Arizona will introduce you to many other Arizona cactus at Organ Pipe National Monument. For example take a look at the cholla cactus, pictured on the left and right.  Often called the "jumping cactus" this cactus multiplies by releasing barbed segments whenever anyone passes by- be careful of these when you walk around, it doesn't take much for this tough plant to punch through your shoes or attach to your skin.  The cholla serves as nesting ground to the cactus wrens, providing safety from predators.  The unique stem skeleton you see on the right provides water storage and protection.  

The spiny ocotillo is the only representative of its family in the US.  It isn't a succulent, so it can't store water like cactus do, instead it grows leaves after every spell of rain, and then drops them when the soil dries out.  It flowers every year, even if it doesn't grow leaves.  It is popularly used as fencing material, especially as a living fence.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has much more to offer our small group tours than just the organ pipe cacti.  The famous saguaro cactus also makes it's home here, as do many unique animals.  You will be likely to see the cactus wren, hiding inside of the saguaro, lizards, and roadrunners.  Less common animals include the gila monster, desert tortoise and javelina.