My plant I obtained from Europe several years ago as "Cleistocactus brookeae", which I knew at the time it clearly was NOT...and it was only 10" tall. Once in ground, it shot up quickly and like yours is over 8ft tall. Last summer we had very intense sun very fast in early summer, and the growing tip was killed. Up until then, it was a single columnar with one small branch that had just started. Now, it has many branches from just below the middle and is pupping at top at the damaged point as well. I agree that flower color/pattern is extremely unique!
I know one other person that has this species in the USA (CA), and he got his years ago from a European seller as well. There is also a very old plant in San Diego in Balboa Park I believe originally grown by Bob Ressler. One other professional grower I think may have this species too, but his has yet to bloom and is a rather faintly spined clone, so waiting for the flowers for confirmation.
- Cleistocactus "laniceps' (AZ)
- Cleistocactus laniceps (2016-Apr25).JPG (28.47 KiB) Viewed 588 times