- The story describes the growth of a saguaro cactus over 200 years from a seed that falls off a pack rat into the desert, where it takes root under a paloverde tree. - Over decades, the cactus grows slowly with the protection of the paloverde, eventually reaching 50 feet tall with 7 branches and becoming home to many desert animals that make holes and nests within it. - After 200 years, the old cactus falls during a windstorm, but its remains continue providing shelter for insects, reptiles, and small animals in the desert.