Stuff To Blow Your Mind The Saguaro, Part 1
Mar 19, 2026
A lively dive into the iconic saguaro cactus and where it actually grows. Pronunciation quirks and the cactus' scientific name get a playful treatment. They trace cactus evolution, anatomy, ribs and water storage. Stories include cultural appearances, a fatal human encounter, and surprising size records.
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Saguaro Images Filled Video Games And Westerns
- Joe McCormick remembers saguaro sprites in video games like Bonk's Adventure, showing how pop culture spreads the cactus image far beyond its native range.
- He describes bent-arm saguaro enemies with yellow eyes and zany faces from his youth.
Saguaro's Scientific Name Honors Andrew Carnegie
- The saguaro's scientific name Carnegiea gigantea memorializes benefactor Andrew Carnegie, who reacted ambivalently to the honor despite funding desert research.
- Nathaniel Britton and Joseph Rose renamed the genus and received a polite telegram: "he is greatly honored".
Man Killed By Falling Saguaro After Shooting It
- David Grundman was killed after shooting a saguaro which then toppled and crushed him in 1981, demonstrating their mass and danger when disturbed.
- The hosts cite a New York Times account and a satirical song recounting the incident to underline how heavy saguaros can be.
