Home → Cactus Collection → Cleistocactus → Cleistocactus strausii
Plant ID
Plant ID: GD-CAC-011-0039
Scientific Name: Cleistocactus strausii (Heese) Backeb.
Family: Cactaceae
Identification: Provisional identification based on the photographed plant.
Cleistocactus strausii is an accepted species in the current Plants of the World Online treatment. Plants of the World Online
Common Name(s)
Silver Torch Cactus
Silver Torch
Woolly Torch
Plant Photograph
Figure 1. Cleistocactus strausii — provisional identification.
Photo Caption:
A young Cleistocactus strausii displaying its characteristic slender upright stem densely covered by fine white hair-like spines, giving the cactus its distinctive silvery appearance.
Photography: John Niño G. Ewa (@_____.5am)
Picture Description
The photograph shows a young, solitary columnar cactus growing upright from a blue container. The green stem is largely concealed beneath a dense covering of fine white radial spines, while the regular vertical ribs and closely spaced areoles remain visible beneath the silvery covering.
Plant Description
Cleistocactus strausii is a slender, erect, columnar cactus with stems that branch from the base as the plant matures. Its green to grey-green stems possess numerous narrow ribs bearing closely spaced areoles. Each areole produces numerous fine white radial spines together with longer, pale yellow central spines, creating the characteristic silver-white appearance. Plants of the World Online
Basic Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleistocactus strausii (Heese) Backeb. |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cleistocactus |
| Plant Type | Columnar cactus |
| Growth Habit | Upright, columnar, basally branching |
| Native Range | Bolivia |
| Native Region | Tarija |
| Natural Habitat | Dry shrubland and desert environments |
| Flower Color | Deep red to rose-red |
| Fruit | Red, rounded |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Propagation | Seed and stem cuttings |
Kew records the species as native to Tarija, Bolivia, where it occurs primarily in desert or dry shrubland, and lists it as Least Concern. Plants of the World Online
Plant Overview
The Silver Torch Cactus is one of the most recognizable columnar cacti because of its dense covering of white, hair-like spines. Young plants begin as slender upright columns and can eventually develop several stems from the base. Mature plants may become substantially taller while retaining their narrow cylindrical form. RHS
Botanical Description
Growth Habit
A slender, erect, columnar cactus that branches from the base, eventually forming a small group of upright stems. ResearchGate
Mature Size
Plants may reach approximately 1–1.5 m in cultivation, while mature specimens can grow considerably taller under favorable conditions. The stems remain relatively narrow in relation to their height. RHS
Stem
Stems are cylindrical, erect and green to grey-green, generally about 4–8 cm in diameter. They possess approximately 25–30 narrow ribs bearing closely spaced areoles. ResearchGate
Leaves
True leaves are absent. The plant’s photosynthetic stem performs the functions normally associated with leaves.
Spines
Each areole bears numerous fine, white, hair-like radial spines that densely cover the stem. Several longer central spines are differentiated from the radials and are generally pale yellow to yellow-brown. Llifle
Roots
The plant develops roots adapted to absorb water rapidly during periods of available moisture while tolerating extended dry conditions.
Flowers
Flowers are tubular and deep red to rose-red. They develop from the upper portions of mature stems and remain largely tubular, with the reproductive structures extending beyond the flower opening. RHS
Fruits
The fruits are rounded and reddish, developing after flowering and retaining a covering of hairs. They may reach approximately 2 cm in diameter. ResearchGate
Seeds
The fruits contain numerous small seeds that provide the plant’s sexual means of reproduction.
Native Habitat
Geographic Distribution
Cleistocactus strausii is native to Bolivia, particularly the Tarija Department. Plants of the World Online
Natural Ecosystem
The species occurs in dry environments associated with desert and dry shrubland vegetation. Plants of the World Online
Elevation
The species is associated with mountainous areas of southern Bolivia, with specialist botanical sources recording populations at approximately 1,700–2,700 m elevation. Wikipedia
Cultivation
Cleistocactus strausii grows best in full sun and a well-drained cactus growing medium. During active growth, it benefits from thorough watering followed by drying of the growing medium. During cooler or dormant periods, watering should be substantially reduced. RHS
Propagation
Propagation may be carried out by seed or stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry and form a callus before planting in a suitable well-drained medium. RHS
Uses
The Silver Torch Cactus is primarily valued as an ornamental specimen plant for cactus collections, containers, succulent gardens and dry landscapes. Its dense white spination provides strong visual contrast with other green succulents and cacti. RHS
Pests and Diseases
Plants may be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Poor drainage and excessive moisture can increase the risk of root and stem problems. Good light, appropriate watering and well-drained soil help maintain healthy growth. RHS
Conservation Status
Kleistocactus strausii is assessed as Least Concern (LC) according to the conservation information presented by Plants of the World Online. Plants of the World Online
Life’s Whisper
“Even beneath a veil of silver, life continues its quiet ascent toward the light.”
References
For the complete list of botanical references, scientific literature, taxonomic information, and sources used by the Green Desert Botanical Library, please see the References page accessible from the Main Menu.
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