Across from the Twin Peaks campground is a scenic drive through the desert and into the Ajo Mountains. The drive is 21 miles long and takes you past 18 markers. Using the guide provided at the campground you can learn about the plants, animals and history along the drive. At the mid point we stopped for lunch and enjoyed beautiful vistas of the arches visible from the picnic area. We found one Organ Pipe cactus with a phenomenon called a crest. The abnormal growth can occur in almost all species of plants and is still a mystery. Some believe that it is genetic issue while others feel it is a deformation due to frost. A typical cactus has growth cells on the tip of the arms which grow in a circle to form a columnar cactus. A crest can occur when the growth cells form a straight line causing this beautiful Pattern.
Intersting info. Sounds like you could make a high school trip out of all your encounters. Guided by Delys,LOL! not your kinda thing though. Keep it coming, fun to read. AKA Bibs
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