Silver torch cactus is a pretty cactus native to the high mountains of
Bolivia and Argentina. Its slender, erect, grey-green columns can reach a
height of 10 ft, but are usually only about 2.5 in across. The columns are
formed from around 25 ribs and are densely covered with areoles,
supporting four yellow-brown spines up to 2 in long and 20 shorter white
radials. Older cactuses, over 1.5 ft tall, produce deep red, burgundy,
flowers in late summer. The 3 in long cylindrical flowers protrude
horizontally from the columns. In common with other cacti in the genus
Cleistocactus, the flowers hardly open, with only the style and stamens
protruding.
Photographed in Munnar, Kerala.
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The flower labeled Silver Torch Cactus is ...