Xerophyte

Description

Austrocylindropuntia subulataSN|4092]]SN|4092]] is native to high elevations in Ecuador and Peru and forms an tree-like, branching specimen with time.

Crested Growth

The crested form (Austrocylindropuntia subulataSN|4092]]SN|4092]] f. cristata) creates very wide undulant fans topped shapes with combs of long emerald green succulent leaves with white areoles, and few (but fierce) white spines. In the crested form the cells at the tip of the branch where growth occurs begin to multiply at a much faster rate and the normal growing tip "goes crazy", creating fantastic whorls and fans with pronounced sculpture effects. The crested branches slowly form delightful, snaky, ridged or crowded hemispherical clusters. The plant often grows a fast growing cylindrical stem to reveal its origins.