Xerophyte

Micranthocereus is a genus consisting of slender, columnar stems which grow as sprawling shrubs or single stems. The stems are ribbed with multiple, shallow ribs and feature dense, flexible spines and often have wool. The flowers are small tube-shaped and range from red to orange to white or may be a combination of colors. Flowers arise from a lateral cephalium which is an area of dense areole growth along the side of the stems and is particularly woolly or spiny. All species of Micranthocereus originate in Brazil where they grow among other brush. In cultivation, a couple species have been widely propagated, but seldom seem to be grown to maturity. Other species are grown by more serious collectors, but even here this genus is not very common. The unruly growth (making potted plants inconvenient) in combination with the small flowers are likely the reason for this lack of popularity as cultivation is not especially difficult.