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cephalocereus
Scientific Name: Cephalocereus
Family: Cactaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Cephalocereus: The Old Man Cactus and Its Relatives
Cephalocereus is a genus of cacti known for its slow growth and columnar shape. The most well-known species is Cephalocereus senilis, commonly called the Old Man Cactus.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has a columnar shape.
- Cephalocereus are cacti.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Cephalocereus
- Family: Cactaceae
- Species: Cephalocereus senilis (example)
Nomenclature and Synonyms
- Common Names: Old Man Cactus, Old Man of Mexico, Bunny Cactus, Cabeza de Viejo.
- Synonyms for Cephalocereus senilis: Cactus senilis, Pilocereus senilis
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Mexico, specifically Guanajuato and Hidalgo in eastern Mexico. Cephalocereus palmeri is native to Quertaro, Tamaulipas and Veracruz.
- Cephalocereus senilis is threatened in the wild.
Morphological Characteristics
- Columnar-shaped.
- Slow-growing.
- Can reach up to nearly 50 feet (15m) in height.
- Characterized by long, white hairs covering the plant, particularly in Cephalocereus senilis.
Quirky Facts
- Cephalocereus senilis gets its common name, "Old Man Cactus," from the bristly white hairs that cover it, resembling an old man's beard.
Further Information
- Encyclopedia of Life.
- The Plant List includes 114 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Cephalocereus.