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Index : Landscape Plants
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- 17. Unusual Cacti Add Interest to Desert Landscapes - Top
- If you’d like to add some special interest to your desert landscape, why not try some unusual types of cacti. There are many notable species from Central and South America that grow well in containers or landscapes here in Tucson. Here are just a few:
Totem Pole Cactus (Lophocereus schottii ‘Monstrosus’) is actually an unusual genetic variation of our common Senita Cactus (Lophocereus schottii). Unlike the typically vertically ribbed and thorned Senita, Totem Pole cactus has a smooth surface dotted with knobby protrusions along the length of it’s columnar form. This lumpy form gives the cactus an appearance reminiscent of ‘candle wax’ which happens to be the plants other common name.
Totem Poles are native to the Baja Peninsula where they form 15 foot high branched columnar clusters. Specimen plants grown in Tucson are more typically 6 to 10 feet tall. They make exceptional landscape or container plants. Over time, single columns will branch and form additional upright arms. Growing tips can be injured below 25 degrees F., but are easily protected with cold caps - styrafoam cups placed over the column tops.
Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) gets it’s name from the unusual long white hairs that cover this singularly columnar cactus. The hairs are actually fine bristles. They arise from the pads ‘areoles’ where thorns are normally located. As with many desert plants, these hairs serve to shade the surface of the plant from sun and thus help cool and conserve moisture. The blanket of hairs also protect the cactus from cold, down to 20 degrees F.
In it’s native environment of Central Mexico, Old Man cacti may reach heights of 45 feet with a diameter of 18 inches. But with a growth rate of one foot or less yearly, this cactus is well suited for growing in pots and small yards. They’re particularly attractive when grown in close planted groupings of individuals of varying heights.
Spruce Cone Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus ‘inermis’) as the name implies, looks like columnar chains of tightly closed brownish-green spruce cones. At one time, these cacti were classified as Opuntia, and their stem segments do bear a strong resemblance to our fruit chain chollas. But unlike chollas, the Spruce Cone is smooth and thornless. Other varieties of T. articulatis, such as ‘papyracanthus’ and ‘syringacanthus’ have long, paper-like spines which are highly ornamental.
Spruce Cone is a small cactus, growing 2 feet tall and spreading 4 feet wide in time. Native to western Argentina, Spruce Cones are very cold hardy. They’re cold hardy in all parts of Tucson and with cold caps for winter protection can be grown at somewhat higher elevations.
Brain Cactus (Echinofossulocactus multicostatus) come by their name because of the unusual wavy pattern to the outer ribs. Because the undulating ribs on this small, spherical cactus are so numerous (up to 100) and so closely spaced most of what you see is the wavy brain-like surface of the plant.
Because of it’s small size, only 6 inches fall and wide, Brain Cactus makes a great potted plant specimen. Or you can plant it in clusters near taller growing cacti and succulent species. Unlike the previous cactus mentioned, Brain Cactus is tolerant of, and prefers light shade during the hot Summer months. It is cold hardy to 25 degrees F., and as with all the cactus mentioned, watering should be curtailed during the winter months.
Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 520-626-5161. - Updated: September 25, 2005
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