Xerophyte

Central Spines

5 to 8, the longest one sometimes 7.5 cm. long, usually reflexed, brownish.

Description

Cephalocereus hoppenstedtiiSN|6711]]SN|6711]] is the morphological form of Cephalocereus senilisSN|6893]] growing at Zapotitlan, but not sufficiently differentiated and considered merely a local variant of the latter (if not the same). It is a tall grey, columnar cactus, said sometimes to reach 10 meters in height, but in cultivation much lower, often bent or clambering, the apex tapering, the whole plant hidden under the numerous spines. In habitat it forms large stands that look like a forest of telegraph poles. This plant is clearly a close relative of Cephalocereus senilisSN|6893]] and is likewise attractive even as a seedling.

Cephalium

At the top of the plant but to one side (said to be on the north side). Bristles of pseudocephalium little longer than the wool.

Flowers

7.5 cm long, whitish, with rosy tips, bell-shaped.

Ribs

Low, close together, 20 or more.

Stem

Slender, columnar. Cephalocereus hoppenstedtiiSN|6711]]SN|6711]] is unique in having a slight curvature of the stem near the top. The characteristic bending of the stem tips towards the sun may lower heat load and could favour establishment and growth of plants in their natural habitat where a high solar energy input persists throughout the year.

Radial Spines

Spines 14 to 18, very short, white.

Areoles

Close together.