Pachycereus

Pachycereus is a group of about 10 species of large columnar cactus from southwestern USA and Mexico. They are single stemmed or form clusters. Their maximum height is between 12 and 40 feet (4 to 12 m), depending on the species. Pachycereus pringlei, the Baja California 'Cardón' is one of the heaviest cacti. The name Pachycereus comes from the Greek for "thick cereus". It is synonymous with Lemaireocereus and include Marginatocereus.

Although the biggest species will take some limited frost when mature, young specimens should be protected from any frost.

The funnel-shaped flowers open at night. They are followed by spiny fruits.

Species and varieties
Pachycereus marginatus (Central Mexico Organ Pipe, Organo, Jarritos)
Pachycereus marginatus var. gemmatus (Central Mexico Organ Pipe, Organo, Jarritos) synonym of Pachycereus marginatus
Pachycereus pringlei (Cardón, Elephant Cactus, Mexican Giant Cactus)
Pachycereus schottii (Senita, Whisker Cactus)
Pachycereus schottii f. mieckleyanus (Senita, Whisker Cactus) synonym of Pachycereus schottii
Pachycereus schottii f. sargentianus (Senita, Whisker Cactus) synonym of Pachycereus schottii
Pachycereus schottii var. tenuis (Senita, Whisker Cactus) synonym of Pachycereus schottii

© 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved.