SAGUARO CACTUS (pronounced sah-WAH-row) The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is a large succulent found in the Sonoran desert of North America. This cactus has accordian-like pleats and long spines. Photosynthesis takes place on its green, chlorophyll-containing trunk. The saguaro has a life span of over 200 years and it can grow to over 50 feet tall. This cactus produces white flowers and a deep red (edible) fruit. Each fruit produces about 2,000 reddish-black seeds.