Out of the more than 50 million saguaros in the Sonoran Desert, only about 3,000 crested saguaros are known to exist. 🌵 Rather than boasting the typical crown of arms, these cacti adorn a wave-like crest — an anomaly still not fully understood. Scientists believe genetic mutations or environmental factors such as lightning strikes or freezing affect the growth pattern of these cacti. A rare-sight, see one for yourself at the following locations: 📍Desert Botanical Garden dbgphx 📍Coyote Canyon Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve 📍Sidewinder Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve 📍Granite Mountain Loop in McDowell Sonoran Preserve For more information on crested saguaros, visit the link in bio. 📸: _jemjem_ #crestedsaguaros #sonorandesert #saguaros #cactus #scottsdale #scottsdalearizona #mcdowellsonoranpreserve #mcdowells #desertbotanicalgarden #hiking #hikingtrail #experiencescottsdale