Cephalocereus senilis

Cephalocereus senilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Cephalocereus
Species:
C. senilis
Binomial name
Cephalocereus senilis
Synonyms[2]
  • Cactus bradypus Lehm.
  • Cactus senilis Haw.
  • Cephalophorus senilis (Haw.) Lem.
  • Cereus bradypus (Lehm.) Steud.
  • Euporteria senilis (Haw.) Kreuz. & Buining
  • Melocactus bradypus Lehm. ex Steud.
  • Pilocereus senilis (Haw.) Lem.

Cephalocereus senilis, the old man cactus, is a species of cactus native to Hidalgo and Veracruz in central Mexico.[1] It is threatened in the wild, but widespread propagation and popularity in cultivation have reduced the demand on wild populations.

Description

Cephalocereus senilis is a tall, columnar species with clusters of stems that may grow to 5–15 m tall; the individual stems are usually unbranched, being unable to withstand the weight of side branches adequately. These vertical columns emerge from a massive underground rhizome.[3] The most striking feature is the shaggy coat of long, white hairs suggestive of unkempt hair on an old man. The coat is a particularly striking silvery white on the young cactus; as the plant ages the stem begins to lose its covering. The flowers are red, yellow, or white, though the plant may not flower until 10–20 years old.

  • flower buds
    flower buds

Morphology and function of the coat

The hairs are modified spines and they make many a plant appear almost snow-white; they serve to protect the plant from frost and sun. However, the hairs are only the radial spines of the cactus; they conceal formidable sharp yellow central spines that belie the inoffensive appearance of the hairy covering.

Cultivation

Cephalocereus senilis is a very popular cactus in cultivation, grown for its woolly appearance. It prefers a very well-drained soil mix (more so than many other cacti), and much bright sunlight, which encourages growth of the hair.

References

  1. ^ a b Guadalupe Martínez, J.; Sánchez , E.; Bárcenas Luna, R. (2020). "Cephalocereus senilis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020 e.T152158A183111425. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T152158A183111425.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Cephalocereus senilis". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  3. ^ Venning, Frank D. (1974). Cacti. New York: Golden Press. p. 42.
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