Chica-chica, Old man of the Andes
Oreocereus leucotrichus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It grows 0.9-2 m high and spreads 100 cm wide. The plants have stout spines. The stems can be 8 cm across and 3 m tall. They branch from the base. There are about 10 rounded ribs. The spine spots are about 2 cm apart. There are 7-9 spines which radiate and these are 2 cm long. There are 1-4 red-brown central spines which are 5 cm long. The flowers occur near the top of the plant. They are red. The flowers are 7 cm long. The fruit are round and reddish yellow. They are 4-6 cm across.

There are 6-9 Oreocereus species. They are cacti of the high Andes.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. They need a temperature above 10°C to grow. It can tolerate temperatures down to -7°C for short periods, when dry. They grow in high mountain ranges. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Chile, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Chastudo, Viejito

Synonyms

Oreocereus hendriksenianus Backeb.; Borzicactus hendriksenianus (Backeberg) Kimnach; Echinocactus leucotrichus Philippi; Borzicactus leucotrichus (Philippi) Kimnach; Arequipa leacotricha (Philippi) Britton & Rose;