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Long-lived Sonoran desert native grows very slowly to 50 ft. tall; in the wild, may be a column only 3 ft. high after 30 years. Typically produces branches after attaining 12–15 ft. Prominent ribs give fluted appearance; they allow the plant to expand when they take up water, and shrink during drought. Light brown, 1/2–3-in.-long spines. Mature plants bloom in late spring; 3–5-in.long, single white blossoms (state flower of Arizona) open at night and remain open until next afternoon. Edible oval fruits, sometimes mistaken for flowers, split open to show red pulp. This is a protected species. When buying a mature specimen, be sure it was collected legally.