Xerophyte

Habit

It develops into a shrub or small tree. Rarely single, usually of several branches, sometimes of many, arising from near the base, starting nearly at right angles to the main trunk but soon erect.

Central Spines

Usually 1 (or sometime up to 4) stout, 5-10 cm (or even 25 cm) long

Description

Echinopsis chiloensisSN|7742]]SN|7742]] var. eburnea previously known as Trichocereus chiloensisSN|7744]]SN|7744]] var. borealis is a fiercely spiny cactus. In habitat it can produce very long spines, up to 25 cm long, but usually shorter in cultivated specimens. The fruit and seed are similar to those of the other Varieties. Nowadays this plant is not considered a distinct variety but only one of the variable phenotypes of this this clinal species.

Flowers

Flower Nocturnal (opening at the end of the day) 14 cm. long, outer perianth-segments white but tinged with red or brown; inner perianth-segments white, acuminate.

Spines

Creamy-white to yellowish with brown tips, at least when young, greyish later.

Ribs

10 to 17 low and broad ribs, separated by narrow intervals, divided into large tubercles even when fully mature.

Stem

Stout, cylindrical up to 8 m tall, stems 10-12 cm in diameter

Radial Spines

8 to 12 1-2 cm long (occasionally up to 5 cm).

Fruits

Globose green.

Areoles

Areoles large whitish, 2 cm apart.