Firecracker cactus
Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

An upright cactus. It has stiff columns. It grows about 2 m high. It later lies over. The stems are 4-6 cm thick. The spines are yellowish brown and closely arranged. The columns have 12-16 ribs. The upper spines are 3 cm long. The flowers are narrow and like tubes. They are red with green tips. They are 5 cm long. The fruit are round.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows in dry and arid areas. It grows up to 2,700 m above sea level. It needs full sun. It needs a temperature above 13°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

They are probably pollinated by hummingbirds. They can normally be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Kaktus mercon, Sitiquira, Smaragdnocvetni zaprtocvetnik

Synonyms

Cereus smaragdifloris F.A.C. Weber;