They are legendary beings, part plant, part human, part god. On their coldest nights, sometimes the great arms of saguaros will sag and sway, and then slowly grow back into absurd, sometimes lewd positions.

Saguaros actually make a unique sound. As wind passes through their high needles, you’ll hear it. You’ve got to stand up close and take off your hat. In 5 mph or 10 mph wind, a tall, narrow, armless Carnegiea gigantea will sound like a single, breathy whistle. The many-armed cactuses sound more symphonic. Those scarred with “cactus boots” can almost moan at the very edge of human hearing.