Xerophyte

Central Spines

Numerous up to 10 cm long (but usually less).

Description

The typical Trichocereus candicansSN|7680]]SN|7680]] is a clump-forming cactus that resembles the 'torch cactus' but not as tall and does not stand as straight. It tends to lean on one side and forms pups from the base and on the other side. It eventually forms a large clump 1 to 3 m across. The rare crested form can also get very big making a spectacular specimen.

Flowers

Showy, funnelform, bright white on the inside with yellow centers and pinkish on the outside, very large 18-25 cm from top to bottom and 11-19 cm across, scales on flower tube ovate, acuminate, bearing long hairs in their axils. They can be profuse. The fragrance of the flowers is very strong--perhaps one of the strongest in the cacti family. The flowers are nocturnal begins to open near sundown and close in the mid afternoon. It can stay open for two or more days if the weather is cool and/or cloudy.

Blooming Season

It usually blooms in late spring, but can be a early as mid March, and sometimes in September.

Spines

Yellowish to brownish-yellow , somewhat mottled awl shaped.

Ribs

9-11, obtuse, usually low.

Stem

Cylindrical erect or usually spreading rounded apicallly 12-18 cm across and 40-60(-100) cm long. The stem is medium green in colour on the shaded side and yellowish green on the sun baked side.

Radial Spines

10-12 unequal, spreading up to 4 cm long.

Fruits

Globose to ovoidal, dehiscent, splitting on one side.

Areoles

Large white, 2-3 cm apart.