Cephalocereus polylophus
Cephalocereus polylophus is a species of cactus endemic to Mexico. Often grown under the synonym Neobuxbaumia polylopha, it is popular with cactus growers and reproduces well in cultivation.
Description
Cephalocereus polylophus grows individually and reaches heights of up to or even and can grow to weigh many tons. The columnar shoots are initially light green and become darker with age. They have diameters of up to. The 22 to 36 narrow, slightly curved ribs are separated from each other by a sharp furrow. The single, flexible central spine, which can also be missing, is often shorter than the seven to eight marginal spines. The marginal spines are flexible and long. They are yellowish to brownish and turn gray with age.The flowers usually appear in groups near the tips of the shoots. They are dark red, long and reach a diameter of. Its pericarpel and floral tube are covered with fairly large tubercles and small scales that are glabrous in the axillae. The egg-shaped, green fruits are long and covered with scales, wool and bristles. The fruits are edible by humans and have a delicate, nutty flavor.