Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
cone cactus
Family Name:
Cactaceae
Botanical Name:
Cephalocereus polylophus
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Neobuxbaumia polylopha is a tall, solitary, pale green, columnar plant that can be up to 42 feet tall and about 14 inches wide. This specimen has 20-50 rounded ribs with small, white-felt areoles. This plant has yellow seven to nine radials, that are a half to three quarters inch long. This incredibly tall cactus has beautiful deep magenta to red flowers that bloom at night in the summer (1).
Compound:
Neo pol
Geographic Origin:
Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The cone cactus is endemic to Mexico, it has been distributed and seen growing in the United States as well. They are observed from the fallowing places : Grenoble, Green Valley, Phoenix, San Leandro, Vista, Whittier, Beaumont, Houston and San Antonio (2).
Cultivation Notes:
The Neobuxbaumia polylopha can be cultivated with ease and are a slow grower. Only 15-20 cm a year. This plant is cold tolerant but will have frost damage at temperature of -2°C and may die. This plant does best in well drained soils, but needs to be watered a lot when first establishing roots and during growth season. However, make sure the soil is dried completely before watering again. Grows best in full sunlight when mature but light shade when in adolescence (3).
Ethnobotany:
This exquisite plant is valued for its landscaping properties. This plant is good in succulent gardens used as an accents or a deterrent for foot traffic. The fact it requires little maintenance once well established make it an ideal plant for any arid landscape (1).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Red
Function:
Patio
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
