Xerophyte

Description

Lophocereus schottiiSN|8344]]SN|8344]] is a slow-growing, usually trunkless cactus that forms numerous tall, ascending, columnar stems which branch at the base in a candelabra-like arrangement. Stems have a waxy bloom on the surface and reach a height of 3-4 metres (but can grow up to 7 m high), and are 10 to 12 cm in diameter. They have five to nine widely-spaced ribs.

Monstrous Form

This controversial monstrous cactus species (dubiously thought of as a mutant Lophocereus schottiiSN|8344]]SN|8344]]) has variable, irregularly shaped rib-less stems. Stems are ascending, lightly pruinose, and also branch just from the base. Stems usually remain small less than 1 metres tall. These smooth plants are virtually unknown in habitat. The stems mark quite badly with age, due to weathering and old age.