Xerophyte

Central Spines

1.

Description

Neobuxbaumia polylophaSN|6399]]SN|6399]] is a very tall columnar cactus with a thick telephone pole-like stem , 7-12(-15) m tall; Often remain solitary but it can ramify forming a candelabra-like tree with little curved branches. This plant is characterized by the many, narrow, closely spaced ribs.

Crested Growth

The crested form (Neobuxbaumia polylophaSN|6399]]SN|6399]] f. cristata) - despite to its beauty - is very rare and sought after by collectors. It is a strong growing crested cactus that will slowly forms brain-shaped groups up to 1 metre (or more) in diameter with age.

Spines

Yellowish turning grey as they age, thin, acicular, bristle-like, mostly pointing downward, approx 1 to 2 cm long. As ages, spines tend to fall out.

Ribs

Narrow, acute.

Stem

Thick, fan shaped, deeply ribbed, green.

Radial Spines

4-8.

Areoles

Small, 4-6 mm apart with yellowish felt.