Xerophyte

Central Spines

One to three, or sometimes more, (Often missing in crested plants) slender often much longer than the others, flattened, one pointed downward, the others upward, 2 to 6 cm long dart brown or blackish at first, fading to grey.

Seeds

Dull, pitted.

Description

Stenocereus stellatusSN|7945]]SN|7945]] is a shrubby or treelike columnar cactus, branching at base, rarely branching above, 2-4 m high with short trunks.

Phenology

Flowers are produced between June and September, and fruits in October.

Flowers

Nocturnal, tubular to narrowly campanulate, appearing at or near the top of the plant (Often missing in crested plants), white or pale rose, with reddish sepals, about 4,5-6 cm cm long and 3-4 cm in diameter, tube scarcely flared, ovary bearing small scales subtending wool and bristly spines.

Crested Growth

The crested form Stenocereus stellatusSN|7945]]SN|7945]] f. cristata is nicely covered with greyish radiating star-like spines and is sought after by collectors, for its unique features. It is also very strong and can grow up to 1 m in diameter and height (or more).

Ribs

Up to 2 cm high low, obtuse, distinctly rounded, notched the areoles seated in the notches.

Stem

Fan-shaped, pale to dark bluish green, forming with time imposing brain-like mounds to 1 metre in diameter and height .

Radial Spines

The spine clusters are of 7-9 (sometime up to 13) radials about 12 mm long whitish-grey with dark tips, radiating star-like.

Fruits

Red, spiny, globular, about 3 cm in diameter with spines falling early.

Areoles

1 to 2 cm apart whitish.