Cleistocactus glaucus


Cleistocactus glaucus is a species of Cleistocactus found in Bolivia.

Description

Cleistocactus glaucus is a cactus species characterized by greenish-gray, columnar stems that branch from the base. These stems are typically 1 to 2 meters long and in diameter. The plant features 12 to 18 obtuse, notched ribs that are high. Areoles are white or brownish, are in diameter and spaced apart along the ribs. These areoles bear chestnut-colored spines. Among the spines, there are 1 to 3 central spines that are stronger and measure long and 7 to 9 radial spines that are long; the uppermost radial spines are absent.
The flowers of Cleistocactus glaucus are radially symmetrical, straight, and tubular, measuring in length. They are orange-red in color and have an ovary covered with numerous scales. The stamens are white. Like most species in the genus, the flowers only partially open. The fruit is spherical, red, and approximately in diameter. Inside, it contains shiny black seeds that are about long and wide.

Distribution

This species is native to Bolivia, specifically in the La [Paz Department |La Paz department] in the northwestern part of the country. C. glacus typically grows in the seasonally dry tropical ecosystems.

Taxonomy

Cleistocactus glaucus was first described by the German botanist Friedrich Ritter in the scientific journal Taxon in 1964.