A cristate Saguaro along the road to Bates Well

This Saguaro was cause for a stop on the way to Bates Well.  Cristates are growth anomalies that occur infrequently in many types including Saguaro, Organ Pipe, Cholla and even Barrel cacti.  Notice all the mulitple brancing going on toward the top.  Also notice how the ribs do not go just straight up and down.  Instead, they seem to add and subtract folds and the folds appear to meander as they make their way up the plant.  Cristates are always fun to find and explore.