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Home → Cactus Collection → Cleistocactus → Specimen A
Plant ID
GD-CAC-011-0044
Common Name(s)
Silver Torch Cactus
Woolly Torch Cactus
Silver Torch
Scientific Name
Cleistocactus strausii
Plant Photograph
Figure 1. Cleistocactus strausii — Specimen B
Photo Caption:
A young Cleistocactus strausii specimen showing a slender upright green column densely covered with fine white bristle-like spines. A small basal offset is developing beside the main stem, illustrating the species’ characteristic tendency to branch from the base.
Photography:
John Niño G. Ewa (@_____.5am)
Plant Description
A young columnar cactus with a slender, upright green stem densely clothed in fine white spines. The closely arranged areoles form regular longitudinal rows along numerous narrow ribs, while the numerous white radial spines create a soft, silvery appearance over the green stem.
The specimen currently consists primarily of a single upright stem with a small basal offset developing beside it. Cleistocactus strausii characteristically branches from the base, eventually producing several erect stems that form a compact, shrub-like cluster. The species typically develops approximately 25–30 ribs and numerous fine white, hair-like to bristle-like radial spines, with a smaller number of longer, pale yellowish central spines. RHS
The specimen’s narrow columnar form, dense white spination, closely spaced areoles, and emerging basal offset are strongly consistent with Cleistocactus strausii. The plant is therefore recorded under the species name without a provisional cf. designation.
Life’s Whispers
Even while standing alone, new life is already gathering at the base. Growth does not always announce itself with great branches or flowers; sometimes it begins quietly, as a small companion preparing to rise beside the old.
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