Lophocereus

The name of this Genus is derived from the Greek word "lophos" meaning crest.

L. schottii ( Berger ) -

Native from southern Arizona to northern Mexico. Characterised by a dense clump of erect stems to 5 - 7 meters tall. Stems have 5 to 9 ribs with wooly, whitish areoles bearing 5 conical gray spines. When about to flower, the areoles expand and grow up to 20 spines. This species will tolerate severe droughts if the plant is of good size. White or red nocturnal flowers.

A rare species in cultivation as it cannot tolerate high Summer temperatures. Propagate from seed or shoots. Shoots from mature and acclimatized plants stand a much better chance of surviving.

Contains: lophocereine, pilocereine.