Xerophyte

Two tree-like species from Southern Mexico make up the genus Polaskia. A columnar cactus which branches as it ages with many branches on a short trunk. Stems are ribbed with fairly shallow spaces between ribs. Areoles are spaced 2 or 3 cm apart along the ribs. Spines are short and stout, numbering 8-10 radials and one central. Spines may not be present at all - especially on mature plants. Flowers are widely-opened cups of pinkish white or yellow-green - with or without spines. Fruits small, fleshy berries. Polaskia chichipe is rather common in cultivation, produced commercially from seed. As a young plant, it is difficult to distinguish from certain Stenocereus species.