Xerophyte

Description

The typical Polaskia chichipeSN|7736]]SN|7736]] is a big columnar tree-like cactus (commonly known as "Chichipe,") that is very popular and widely grown for its many curved branches, up to 5 m tall.

Flowers

Small yellowish-green. Anthesis diurnal as well as partly nocturnal.

Crested Growth

The beautiful crested form (Polaskia chichipe f. cristataSN|7733]]SN|7733]]) is very rare in collection and highly priced for its sculptural shape and powdery grey-blue epidermis. The crested form can also get very big making a spectacular specimen. Older crested plant can reach a considerable size (up to 2 m tall and in diameter, or more).

Spines

Greyish up to 5 cm but usually shorter; 1 central spine; 6-8 radials.

Stem

Fan shaped forming odd sculptural, powdery grey-green with wavy ribs. There are several crested clones of Polaskia chichipeSN|7736]]SN|7736]] and all have the tendency to fan out, some will form stable crests while others (the more common) just cluster over one another.

Fruits

2-3 cm edible.

Areoles

1 to 1.5 cm apart.