Cactus IDs

10 years ago

Hi All,

Here are some of the unknowns that I have in my collection.
I've had this guy for a couple of years and its never flowered or produced more stems. When I first got it, it was about four inches tall and now its just under two feet. I think that it might be a Cleistocactus or Haageocereus. All that I can remember about the label on the pot was that it said Golden Rat Tail. So I guess that it might be Cleistocactus?

This one has 12 ribs, never flowered, and still has the same three stems as when I bought it. I think the label said that it was native to Brazil and it has some white beardy-things hanging underneath the spines.

I know this isn't a cactus, but it some cactus-like qualities. The 'spines' are really pliable. When it was growing inside, it was a bright green and now that its outside it has turned a reddish-green.

Thanks for the help!

Comments (5)

Dzitmoidonc
10 years ago
The first one looks like a Cleisto. tupizensis.
Microthrix
10 years ago
The second ones are Pilosocereus gounelii. Did the third have little tiny round fleshy green leaves? If so it could be an Alluadia procera.
Related Professionals
Tempe Landscape Contractors · Belvedere Park Landscape Contractors · Dallas Landscape Contractors · Severna Park Landscape Contractors · Wallingford Landscape Contractors · Norridge Landscape Contractors · Florida City General Contractors · Foothill Ranch General Contractors · Middletown General Contractors · Waxahachie General Contractors · Enumclaw Carpenters · Frankfort Carpenters · Tacoma Carpenters · Montgomery County Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Portage Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures
alkh86
10 years ago
Have you ever had blooms on the 3rd one? Looks like a huernia maybe?
travis_h
Original Author
10 years ago
Dzitmoidonc- Do you know how common it would be for C. tupizensis to be sold at a big box store? That's where that guy came from.

Microthrix- Thanks for the ID of the second one! The third one has never had fleshy leaves. I think that alkh86 has the right ID.

alkh86- I found the third one several months ago amongst some pachys and optunia being given away at work. It looked like it was a branch that had broken off. I took it home, potted it up, and it started sending out lots of roots and growing like crazy! Sadly, it hasn't flowered yet. I sure hope it does!
Dzitmoidonc
10 years ago
I have found Turbinicarpus sold at a Home Depot. Cleistos crow easily from seed, and if their cactus supplier got seed from the seed houses, it is possible for just about any species to show up.

That said, I went out to look at my Cleisto. tup. It doesn't have the girth of yours, but that light green color with the spines is the same. The spines are definitely those of a Cleisto. Could be another closely related species.

I firmly believe that nameless plants should never be given a 'for sure' tag unless you can vouch for the provenance. IDing the species is always tricky, but a close enough name can help with culture.