Xerophyte

Description

Large, multi-stemmed fast-growing columnar cactus. Forms a small tree 3 to 6 meters tall by 1,8 m spread, with several branches, usually extending from the base.

Note

The San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoiSN|8470]]SN|8470]]) is often confused with its close relative, the Peruvian Torch cactus (Trichocereus peruvianusSN|8638]]SN|8638]]) which contains small quantities of mescaline, a hallucinogenic drug.

Flowers

Very large, white, night blooming and remaining open for the following day, fragrant, up to 22 cm in diameter. They are very showy. Inner perianth segments white, outer segments brik red, stamen filaments greenish. In this species, the flowers buds are produced from the spine clusters along the margins near the top of branches. The buds are pointed. Flowers tube, and fruits are covered with scales and black curled hairs.

Blooming Season

July.

Spines

Highly variable, often wanting, when present few (3 to 7), unequal, the longest 1 to 2 cm. long, dark yellow to light brown. Spines are located at the nodes which are spaced evenly (approximately 2 cm apart) along the ribs.

Ribs

4-8, (usually 5-7) broad at base, obtuse, rounded, with a deep horizontal depression above the areole.

Stem

Upright columnar and flexible, pale green to blue-green, slightly glaucous when young, dark green in age. Up to 6 m tall, 6-15 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Oblong, dark-green, 5-6 cm long, 3 cm in diameter.

Areoles

Whitish, close set.