Cactus & Succulents

The branching, tree-like specimen grows to thirteen feet tall and about ten feet wide, with cylindrical deep green leaves. New growth does not have many spines, but as the plant matures yellowish-red spines develop on its tip. The Eve’s needle will rarely bloom in cultivation, but when it does, it produces long, coppery red, showy blooms. Its fruit is oblong with small spines. Use it in attractive containers, raised beds, and cactus gardens, as a showy specimen in atriums, or as an understory plant. This exquisite cactus is native to the higher elevations of Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, and Bolivia, where it is used and cultivated as a living fence.

This giant monarch cactus grows to fifty feet or more with a large spread, depending on how many arms it produces in its lifetime. It is slow growing-only one inch a year-with a thick, massive, columnar trunk and wax-like skin that helps it retain moisture. The saguaro can produce many branches or arms, but usually only produces one to five. Its trunk and branches have large ribs with straight spines growing out of each rib. When the saguaro receives water by rainfall, the outer pulp expands like an accordion. In May, the plant produces three-inch-wide, creamy white blossoms with yellow stamens that grow in clusters on the southeastern side of the stem tip. The blossoms open during the night and close again by the next day. Saguaro flowers are fertilized by birds, bats, and insects. After flowering, the plant produces a reddish-green, three-inch, oval, edible fruit that opens in late June through July. The fruit, which has red pulp and black seeds, can be eaten or made into jams and jellies. When the seeds disperse in the wild, the seedlings may germinate but stay very small for many years. This large cactus is an endangered species and a protected plant. While available at specialty plant nurseries, if the plant is dug in the wild, it must have a protected tag, especially when salvaged as a result of road construction or new subdivisions. The saguaro blossom is the state flower of Arizona. Use it as a large, dramatic accent against tall buildings or in large, open spaces. The hardwood and ribs from a dead, decomposed saguaro can be used for fences, ramadas, and ceilings. It is native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico as well as in an extremely small area of California.

The slow-growing cactus reaches about twenty feet or more in its native habitat, producing
many columnar stems that are usually un-branched. Its species name, senilis, comes from the Latin word meaning old man. As the name implies, it has grayish-white, distinctive, long, wooly hairs that look like a beard. The hairs cover the plant to protect it from scorching summer temperatures and to provide warmth in the winter. Its shaggy coat of hair conceals many tiny, sharp, yellow spines. In springtime, it produces two-inch-long, whitish-pink flowers that open at night. At maturity, following the blooms, the plant develops pinkish-red fruit that is covered with yellowish hair. Use it as an accent plant or in masses along with other
cacti in rock gardens and raised planters. Use the old man cactus as a foundation plant against a white or colored wall. It is native to Guanajuato and Hidalgo in eastern Mexico.

The cactus is admired for its knobby branches, flowers that open at night and red, apple-like fruit. It is a moderate grower, reaching heights of ten to twenty feet with a spread of fifteen feet or more. However, the variety ‘Monstrose’ is a slower grower and is smaller in height. The plant forms many offsets that eventually grow as tall as the mother plant. It also has ribbed and cylindrical-shaped, deep grayish-green, upright branches. Spines, sharp edges, conspicuous bumps and knobs can be found along the branches. The name Cereus is from Greek and Latin, meaning large torch. During the warmer months, the plant produces large, white or reddish and slightly fragrant blossoms that bloom at night. The species is also distinguished by the red fruit that remains on the plant for a long time. Its fruit is large, hairless and contains small, edible, crunchy seeds called pitaya.  Use it as a striking accent against tall buildings or large, open walls. It can also be used in containers with other cacti and succulents, around foundations, and in entrances or raised planters. The Cereus genus consists of many columnar cacti that grow natively through South America, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.

The cactus is admired for its knobby branches, flowers that open at night and red, apple-like
fruit. It is a moderate grower, reaching heights of ten to twenty feet with a spread of fifteen feet or more. However, the variety ‘Monstrose’ is a slower grower and is smaller in height. The plant forms many offsets that eventually grow as tall as the mother plant. It also has ribbed and cylindrical-shaped, deep grayish-green, upright branches. Spines, sharp edges, conspicuous bumps and knobs can be found along the branches. The name Cereus is from Greek and Latin, meaning large torch. During the warmer months, the plant produces large, white or reddish and slightly fragrant blossoms that bloom at night. The species is also distinguished by the red fruit that remains on the plant for a long time. Its fruit is large, hairless and contains small, edible, crunchy seeds called pitaya. Use it as a striking accent against tall buildings or large, open walls. It can also be used in containers with other cacti and succulents, around foundations, and in entrances or raised
planters. The Cereus genus consists of many columnar cacti that grow natively through South America, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.

This striking cactus develops slender columns up to eight to ten feet tall. It is a vigorous grower that has interesting, silvery blue spines on hairy, bluish-gray columns. The silver torch begins to flower when the columns reach about eighteen inches tall. The decorative flowers are deep red or burgundy and protrude from the sides of the columnar stems and along the tips.  Use it in combination with other columnar cacti and succulents in exotic cactus gardens. Plant the silver torch in foundations, raised planters, containers, courtyards, or narrow, confined spaces. It looks interesting when mixed with other columnar cacti along a tall wall with its striking silvery blue color. This cactus is native to high, mountainous regions in Bolivia and Argentina.

Jade plant is noted for its interesting green, oval-shaped succulent foliage that grows out from a multi-branching trunk. The shrub can grow as tall as twelve feet in its native habitat of South Africa. However, in the Southwest desert, it usually reaches four to six feet tall and remains compact and rounded. Sometimes, the smooth leaf is tinged with a reddish strip along its edge. In warmer locations, during the winter, it produces clusters of star-shaped, fragrant, ivory white to pinkish-white blossoms. The flowers attract bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies. African tribes used the roots as a food product. Historically, the leaves were boiled and used medicinally to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments. Use it in attractive containers, raised planters, and rock and cactus gardens. It can also be used as an accent plant on porches and covered patios. The jade plant is native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal valleys of South Africa, where it grows among aloes, euphorbia, and other succulent plants.

The golden barrel cactus has a globe-like appearance and is recognized by its magnificent color that comes from vertical yellow ribs that line its edges. The spines of the golden barrel cactus will light up any landscape with its magnificent color. This architectural beauty is a signature cactus of the Southwest desert. The golden barrel is considered a rare and endangered species. It grows slowly to three feet high and spreads two feet wide. At maturity, yellow blossoms appear at the top of the plant in spring, followed by fruit.  Use this showy accent in containers with other desert plants. It can also be planted in groupings, as a mass planting with boulders in rock gardens, or to create a striking statement in the landscape. The golden barrel cactus can add significant texture and accent to the landscape. This plant is native to central Mexico from San Luis Potosi to Hidalgo.

This fast-growing group of cacti varies in size, from small, low-growing globular plants to large, branching, columnar specimens. Some of the hybrids within the species have thin, trailing stems and produce many offsets, while others are solitary. The hybrids are known for their spectacular fragrant blossoms that produce white, pink, or yellow flowers, as well as many multicolored varieties. They are grown mainly for their exquisite flowers, which are nocturnal and close up during daylight. The flowers last a day or two before drying up. They bloom in the springtime, around Easter, as their common name implies.  Use it in cactus and rock gardens, along pathways, as an understory plant with filtered shade, or in containers. The Easter lily cactus is an extraordinary plant that should be used in an area of the landscape for its spring color show. The species is native to Mexico and South America.

This species is closely related to Echinopsis pachanoi and the two are sometimes confused with each other. The columnar Echinopsis peruviana is a branching, tree-like specimen that reaches fifteen feet tall. San Pedro macho grows much quicker than Echinopsis pachanoi and will grow one to two feet per year in height. It has erect branches with cylindrical, stout stems and an arching habit. The cactus develops bluish-green foliage with more long, reddish-brown spines than Echinopsis pachanoi. It also produces fragrant, white, showy, nocturnal blooms that are nine to ten inches wide and only open for one night and then die.  Use this attractive cactus in large containers as a specimen or accent plant. Mix it with other tall cactus species in narrow beds along walls and foundations for its vertical form. It is native to the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in Peru.

The golden torch is a beautiful, multi-stem, columnar cactus that produces many upright branches and grows five to seven feet tall. It is lime-green with long, radial, yellowish-white spines that turn gray as the plant ages. It produces large, white, nocturnal flowers that are six to eight inches in diameter. The blossoms appear in late spring and are showy and fragrant. The flowers open during the evening and last until noon the following day.  Use it as a desert accent plant in rock gardens, in groupings surrounded by boulders, and in raised planters or containers. This vertical accent also looks good in small, confined spaces or against a tall wall or foundation of a building. It works well mixed with other interesting and exotic cacti. The golden torch is native to western Argentina and Bolivia.

One of the largest of the Echinopsis species, this fast-growing, attractive, columnar cactus reaches heights of twenty-five feet or more. Mature plants will develop branches or side arms that are ten inches in diameter and have eight to fourteen deep ribs with yellow spines. In late spring, it produces showy, white, nocturnal blossoms that are eight inches long with dark red to green outer segments.  Use it as a substitute or in combination with the saguaro cactus, where a strong, vertical accent plant is needed. Plant the cardon in wide-open spaces where it has plenty of room to grow and mature. This large cactus can also be used as an exotic plant in xeriscape gardens. The cardon is native to northern Argentina.

The low-growing shrub has clusters of thin, upright, bluish-green, pencil-like stems that grow in clumps to about three feet. The flowers are small, pinkish-white and occur in clusters on mostly leafless stems in spring through early summer. The common name of this plant means “little candle,” because the stems are covered with a waxy substance.  Use it in raised planters, narrow planting strips, and small rock gardens. It can be planted with other low-water plants and succulents as an accent. The candelilla makes a nice focal point in a small garden or as a nice potted specimen with its pale color and columnar shape. It is native to the Trans-Pecos area of southwestern Texas and the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, growing in Durango, Chihuahua, and Coahuila.

The attractive, slow-growing succulent is recognized by its bright red flowers that resemble an elegant shoe or slipper. The plant grows six feet tall and wide in a clumping, upright growth habit, with small pencil-like stems. A milky sap is emitted when the stem is broken or pruned. It has tiny, gray leaves that appear on new growth, but they fall quickly when the plant is moisture-stressed. The blooms appear in late spring or early summer and attract hummingbirds. Use it in containers or against low walls or as an understory plant, under trees. Plant the slipper plant with desert plants and cactus for its strong vertical effects. Use it in large containers mixed in with other striking cactus and succulent plants. The slipper plant is native to the Baja peninsula and northwestern Sonora, Mexico, where it grows on hillsides and in desert plains.

The pencil milk bush is a pencil-like, branching plant with upright, bright green, cylindrical stems that sprout in the shape of a small shrub. Its small leaves will grow along the grayish green stem. The clumping, low-growing plant grows eighteen to twenty-four inches tall. In warmer climates, in late winter, it produces a yellow flower at the end of each young branch. Use the pencil milk bush in colorful containers and raised planters or as a foundation plant. It can also be used in groups or rock gardens mixed with other cacti and low-water-use plants. When planting it in masses, space it four to six feet apart. It is native to the Northern, Western, and Eastern Capes and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where it grows extensively in dry valleys and along hillsides.

The bushy, spiny succulent develops shoots that can reach up to three to four feet in height, with a two-foot spread. It has half-inch thorns that adorn its branches and stems. The tough, leathery foliage grows on slender, young stems. Its leaves may defoliate if moisture stressed or with extreme temperature changes. The plant blooms intermittently throughout the year, but flowers are more prolific in the spring. Small flowers are surrounded by attractive bright red or pink bracts. Hybrids are also available with yellow or white blooms. The plant produces a poisonous latex sap that may cause skin irritations.  Use it in containers, low planters, rock gardens, sunny borders, and succulent gardens. It can also be used along foundations or in small, tight spaces. This tropical-looking plant works well as a houseplant in sunny locations. It is native to Madagascar.

This low-growing succulent has erect, thick, bluish-green to lime green, four-sided stems with small brown thorns, reaching one to two feet with a three- to four-foot spread. Historically, it is one of the oldest documented medicinal euphorbias. The resin spurge forms mounding clumps that look like pincushions with small columns, and is leafless most of the time. Small green to yellow blooms appear in late winter to early spring along its stem margins. Plant it in groupings with other succulents in cactus gardens or containers. Also use it in areas with high animal and rodent populations. Animals will not touch it, since it is highly toxic. The plant is native to Morocco, where it grows on rocky slopes in the Atlas Mountains. Resin spurge plant is one of the oldest documented medicinal plants of all the Euphorbia species.

This mounding evergreen grows to about two feet tall with a three-foot spread, and has attractive, narrow, pointed, blue-green, sharp leaves. It produces rounded clusters of papery chartreuse yellow flower bracts that appear at the end of each branch in early spring. The blooms turn a greenish-tan as they age. This late winter to early spring bloomer adds a great deal of accent to the landscape and is easy to grow. After blooming, the main stems die back and new growth appears from the center of the plant.  The gopher plant works well in containers as a specimen or a low foundation plant in combination with other desert natives. Also use it in perennial gardens and low planters or as a border or background planting. It reseeds naturally in desert landscapes after the summer monsoons. The gopher plant is a native of South Africa and the Mediterranean region.

The attractive, fleshy succulent has deep green branches and ornamental, knobby bumps on its columns. It grows eight to ten feet tall and four to six feet wide. In warm weather, it produces a whorl of small, oval, short green leaves along its stems, with a pair of spines at the base of each leaf. In the summer, yellow flowers appear in clusters along the branches.  The milky resin emitted from the plant may cause skin and eye irrigations, but parts of the plant are also used medicinally. A paste made from ground leaves can be used to treat wounds and cuts. The latex emitted from the plant, can be warmed over a fire and used for muscular swellings and sprains. Plant parts cut into pieces may be used as bait to catch fish. Use it as a showy succulent along walls for a vertical or upright silhouette. Also, plant it in filtered shade under the canopy of trees, in large containers, or in raised planters. Use it for its green, lush, tropical appearance around a pool or pond. It is native to subtropical valleys, and dry, rocky slopes of Nepal and throughout Bhutan and India.

This endangered species is recognized for its light green, pencil-thin, bush-like branches with miniature leaflets. It is fast-growing reaching heights of eight to ten feet or more in the southwest desert. In its native habitat it can reach thirty feet with a ten-foot spread. The older branches are woody and the young branches are green and cylindrical. This plant produces a group of petal-like bracts with yellow flowers that are mainly inconspicuous. Its flowers are propagated by butterflies, bees, and other insects. In warmer locations, a capsule-like, hairy, pale green fruit appears in late fall. The variety Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks of Fire’ is a form of Euphorbia tirucalli.  This plant does not have the chlorophyll of its parent plant and is a smaller sized plant and a much slower growing succulent.  The branches on this variety are pencil thin with a reddish-golden color.  The color in its stems will fade to a greenish-yellow as summer approaches.  This plant becomes redder during the winter months and does best when grown in full sun.  Use the pencil tree in raised planters, containers, or as a tropical accent, specimen, focal point or background planting. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, as well as parts of India, Indonesia, China, and the Philippine Islands, where it grows on grassy hillsides and rocky outcrops and in open savannas.

This barrel cactus is about two feet tall and wide with a globular shape and a greenish-blue skin. As the plant matures, it may produce multiple heads and forms a large mound. It has thick, whitish-gray spines that are distributed evenly throughout the plant, along with deep ribs. Beginning in spring and through late summer, funnel shaped, yellow flowers emerge near the top of the plant. The flowers last for a long time with white, rounded fruit appearing after flowering.  Use it in rock gardens and raised planters with other low-water-use cacti and succulents for its colorful, long-blooming cycle. This interesting plant works well in masses with other barrel cactus and xeriscape plantings. It is native to limestone rock formations, boulders, and rocky hillsides in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.

The Fishhook Barrel Cactus is recognized by the curved and hooked central spine and by the large, ribbed, “barrel-shaped” body. Bright orange to yellow colored flowers will appear in September and October in a ring around the apex of this cactus. It produces yellow, pineapple-shaped fruit that is edible. The Fish-hook barrel is the most common barrel cactus growing in Tucson, AZ. Typically, it grows 3 feet tall and up to 30 inches in diameter. The Fishhook barrel cactus makes a great accent plant for anyone who loves blooming cacti.

The Ocotillo is a mainstay of Arizona desert landscaping. It is made of many spiny unbranched stems with bright orange-red flowers. The Ocotillo plant is unrivaled for its graceful form and makes a wonderful accent plant. It grows best in rocky, well-drained soils. Periods of low water will push it to bloom. Grows to 12 feet high and 10 feet wide. The ocotillo has thorny spines, so plant it in low-traffic areas.

The large, sprawling cactus is admired for its funnel-shaped, ivory flowers, and reaches heights of eight to ten feet tall and wide. It has multiple, dark green branches with a very woody trunk. The branches have six to eight ribs, with a central spine along the middle, and shorter radial spines on each areola. The plant produces stunning, white, cupped flowers in late spring through early summer. They open during the day and close at night. After flowering, edible, slightly acidic, globular, red fruit appear. Historically, the stems of this plant were used for firewood and the fruit was eaten by the native inhabitants of the area.  Use it as a single specimen, or grow it in containers for its showy, strong silhouette. This cactus can also be mixed with other succulents in rock gardens or raised planters. It is native to the northern hillside slopes of the Baja peninsula of Mexico growing in Todos Santos Bay, where it receives ample winter rainfall.

This columnar, architectural, tree-like specimen grows to fifteen feet with a candelabra form. Its spiny green stems are thick and heavily ribbed. It has radial and central spines that fill each areole. When the plant is about two years old, it produces showy, greenish-white flowers in early spring that eventually turn a darker red. The flowers are pollinated by moths and are edible. Following the bloom, the plant also develops edible, currant-like fruits called garambullos. The fruit is popular and can be purchased throughout Mexico and Guatemala either dried or fresh. The dried fruits resemble a raisin. This plant likes full sun and reflected heat.  Use it as specimen in cactus and succulent gardens, as a tall silhouette in front of a white wall, or as accent plant in large containers. There are many clones of this cactus that make spectacular landscape specimens. It is native to Mexico from San Luis down to Oaxaca, and into Baja California.

This interesting, oval-shaped cactus grows two to three feet tall and four feet wide. It has short, greenish-purple segments resembling the tail of a beaver. Brown, wooly looking, bristly spines grow along its edges, which are spotted throughout the pads. In late spring, showy fuchsia colored to reddish-purple flowers appear, followed by spineless, brown edible fruit. There are many subspecies and several different varieties of this cactus.  This showy prickly pear can be used in attractive containers and rock or cactus garden beds with limited water. It is extremely drought-resistant and suitable for xeriscape situations. The beavertail cactus is very showy and provides winter interest. It is a great plant for medians and roadsides planted with the golden barrel, Santa Rita prickly pear cactus, and other cacti or succulents. It is native to the southwest in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and California, where it grows on dry, rocky desert slopes, and sandy flats, and along hillsides. The beavertail cactus is also native to northwestern Mexico in Baja California and northern Sonora, Mexico, growing at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 feet.

Englemann’s Prickly Pear is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. The sage green pads of this cactus blend well in desert landscapes and provide a great backdrop for the colorful fruit that adorns the pads in the summer months. The fruit is green at first, changing to red, then purple. Large yellow flowers in the spring add another season of color. Englemann’s prickly pear grows to form a large clump about 4 feet tall by 8 feet wide.

This immense, branching cactus with a massive trunk grows to fifteen feet tall and ten feet wide. It produces large, oblong pads that are either spineless, or have a few spines. The cup-shaped blossoms appear in late spring to early summer in orange or yellow. Its flowers usually appear along the edge of the pads. After the flowering cycle, rounded, reddish-purple, fleshy fruit appears. The fruit usually has sharp bristles and can be hard to handle, but it is attractive, edible, and delicious, resembling a strawberry. The fruit is eaten by birds and animals and is also used to make jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages. The Indian fig can be used as a screen, fence, or barrier plant. It can also be used as a large silhouette against a tall wall. Use this plant in attractive containers or as a specimen or backdrop. The origin of the India fig is unclear, but it has naturalized in warmer regions of the United States, including California and Arizona.

Native to the Sonoran desert, the purple prickly pear grows in clumps, usually to about 4 feet tall by 5 feet wide. This cactus appears much like a shrub. The large leaf pads develop a purple tinge in the cool, dry winter months. The pads are covered with large, tan spines. Flowers appear in late spring, and are yellow with red centers. The rich purple pads provide plenty of interest. During the summer, the pads are a softer blue-grey color. Bright yellow flowers, to 3 inches in diameter, produce red to purple fruit.

This low-growing prickly pear cactus forms large clumps and has a short trunk growing to heights of two to five feet with an equal spread. It produces flat, round, reddish-purple pads that grow to eight inches. The color of the pads intensifies when the plant is stressed by cold weather or drought conditions. During the summer months, the pads are a softer bluish-gray color. The pads will not always develop spines but spines may be present along its perimeters and areoles. Its flowers are orange-red in color and appear in late spring. After flowering, the plant develops an oblong, purple, plump fruit.  Use it as colorful accent in containers or as a silhouette against white or light colored walls. It provides great color in winter, when other plants are dormant. This cactus plant also looks interesting in attractive containers where water is sparse. This cactus is native to Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico at elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 feet.

This handsome cactus has tall, columnar trunks and reaches heights of twenty feet, or more. It produces clusters of stout, cylindrical stems that resemble a pipe organ. The plant develops many arms during its lifetime and grows quicker with supplemental irrigation. It is deep green with ribs that have minor spines. Its central spine is yellowish and the smooth stems have five to seven ribs. The plant’s common name is derived from the fact that in many villages and towns of Mexico it is used to construct a living fence, mainly along roadways. In spring, the cactus produces tubular, pinkish-red flowers that are very showy. Following the bloom cycle, it develops spiny, yellowish to red fruit with black seeds.  Use it as a desert accent or specimen; plant it against a tall wall, as a vertical accent, or create a living fence from cuttings of this plant. It also works well when used in desert or tropical settings and is relatively maintenance free. The Mexican fence post is native to the states of Hidalgo, Queretaro, and Guanajuato, and is widely planted and naturalized throughout Mexico.

The columnar cactus grows fifteen feet tall and about ten feet wide, branching upwards from its strong base at ground level to form thickets. Each stem produces about five to ten ribs and clusters of areolas with bristle-like gray spines. Hairy beards cover the ends of the spiny stems on some plants, reflecting its common name senita, which means “old one” in Spanish. In spring, it develops pale pink flowers on upper stems of the plant. The blossoms open during the night and then close when the sun starts to rise in the morning. The plant is pollinated by a small moth that lives its life solely on this cactus. After blooming, it produces a spineless, edible, red, oval, fleshy fruit with red pulp. This fruit was a vital food source for early inhabitants of Arizona and Mexico. The seeds were separated from the pulp and then ground into a nutritious meal. Native Americans believed that the senita cactus fruit was a powerful, spiritual plant. Use it as a specimen against tall walls or buildings as a strong vertical accent. Also use it in containers, raised beds, or areas where water is not readily available. This plant is native to the Organ Pipe National Forest in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and along the Gulf of California in Mexico growing 1,000 to 2,000 feet in elevation.

The slow-growing, smooth-skinned, columnar cactus grows ten to twelve feet with tall stems that branch at the base to form a short trunk. It is a slow-growing cactus with smooth skin and no visible spines. The totem pole has light to medium green coloring and small bumps or areoles along the entire length of its long columns, giving it the illusion of having multiple faces carved into the plant. Totem pole cactus is a night bloomer, and in late spring it produces light pink blossoms that open at dusk and close up by mid morning. It also develops an edible, egg-shaped, red fruit with red pulp. Over time, this cactus forms multiple, upright arms. When a stem falls over in the wild, it will root along its side.  Use this cactus as a showy display in cactus gardens, or in attractive containers or raised beds with other cactus and succulent plants. It can also be used as a xeriscape planting in combination with other desert plantings or around pools or ponds as an accent. Use it against a tall wall for a vertical or architectural effect. It is native to Sonora, Mexico and the Baja peninsula of Mexico, where it grows on desert hillsides and in valleys.

The attractive, evergreen succulent can grow to eight feet or more, in its natural enviornment. It has small, circular, fleshy, bright green foliage on reddish-brown stems. The leaves of these plants are edible and have a tart flavor. In its native habitat, the plant is heavily browsed and eaten by elephants, wild game, and tortoises. Elephants eat parts of the plant, and spit out the leaves and seeds, which help to propagate the plant. It produces pink, star-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring, but rarely blooms the southwest desert. The flowers are a good source of nectar for birds and insects.  There is a variegated variety with a mixture of cream and green foliage. Use this plant in containers, entryways, or patios. Combine it with other interesting low-water-use plants, or train it as a bonsai. It is native to rocky slopes and dry river valleys of the eastern Cape of South Africa, and north into KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, Mpumalanga, and the Limpopo Province. This plant grows quickly to form a large thicket of growth in its native habitat.

This distinctive night-blooming cactus grows in a columnar, tree-like form to twenty feet tall or more, producing multiple stems that form clumps. Mature plants will reach twelve to fifteen feet wide with many branches. It produces erect, olive green stems with distinctive ribs. This cactus has closely spaced spines that are long and black, turning gray with age. It blooms only at night, producing three-inch, funnel-shaped flowers that are pinkish-red with a whitish edge. The flowers open after sunset and close during the day. After flowering, the plant develops large, round, edible fruit that eventually loses its spines as it ripens. The seeds are dark brown and covered in a sweet, bright red pulp. Historically, the fruits have been harvested for food and the stems of this plant have been used for various medicinal purposes. The ribs were also used for construction materials by local inhabitants.  Use it as an accent in containers, a foundation plant, or with other cactus for its structural beauty. The species is protected under Arizona’s Native Plant Law, and grows in abundance in Organ Pipe National Monument near the Mexican border. It is also native to Baja California, Sonora, and Sinaloa, Mexico, growing in rocky soil, on hillsides and along desert plains at 3,000 feet in elevation.

The distinctive, night-blooming cactus grows thirty feet tall and ten to fifteen feet wide. Its columnar, grayish-green stems are approximately four inches in diameter with toothpick-like, grayish-white spines, protruding from the plant. Its stems develop eight or nine rounded ribs with shallow grooves. The cactus grows at a moderate rate and produces many arms at maturity. In late spring to early summer, showy, white blossoms with gray edges open at night and close during the day. In late winter, the cactus develops a tangy, lemon-flavored fruit with black seeds. The white pulp and seeds are not very sweet, but the entire fruit can be eaten if it is cooked. The Argentine toothpick cactus is considered to be a monotypic taxon. This means it is the only species in the genus Stetsonia. This is a great accent plant to use in cactus and succulent gardens and as a focal point. Use this specimen cactus in raised planters, among boulders, and in attractive containers. It also looks good up against a tall white or light colored wall with its interesting growth habit and bold silhouette. It is native to the low, northwest deserts of Argentina and Bolivia.