Woolly Torch
Synonym: Pilocereus tehuacanus, Cephalocereus palmeri, Pilocereus palmeri, Cephalocereus sartorianus, Cereus sartorianus, Pilosocereus palmeri, Pilosocereus tehuacanus, Cereus palmeri, Cephalocereus tehuacanus, Cereus tehuacanus, Cereus victoriensis, Pilosocereus palmeri var. victoriensis, Pilocereus sartorianus, Cereus leucocephalus, Pilosocereus sartorianus, Pilocereus leucocephalus, Pilocereus maxonii, Cephalocereus leucocephalus, Pilosocereus cometes, Cereus cometes, Pilocereus flavicomus, Pilocereus jubatus, Pilosocereus maxonii, Cephalocereus maxonii, Cereus maxonii, Cephalocereus cometes
Family: Cactaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 28°F (-2°C) Minimum Avg. Temperature: 55°F (12°C) Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun Origin: Southern Mexico to Guatemala and Honduras Growth Habits: Columnar branched cactus, fast growing, up to 20 feet tall (6 m); 7-14 ribs; 1 dark brown central spine on young stems, up to 1.2 inches long (3 cm); 8 to 12 lighter shorter radials Watering Needs: Regular water and fertilizer from late spring to early fall. Light watering in winter Propagation: Seeds that provide slow growing seedlings, or easily by cuttings |
Pilosocereus leucocephalus is a variable species with a large distribution area. This accounts for the numerous synonyms.
Blooming Habits:
The area where the flowers will grow has much denser hair than the rest of the stem. It is called a pseudo-cephalium. The 3 inches long (8 cm) funnel-shaped flowers are whitish to light pink inside, reddish green outside. They are followed by 1.6 inches long (4 cm) red fruit with red pulp and black seeds.
Fruiting Habits:
References:
Las Cactaceas de Mexico
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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