Can it be Cereus jamacaru?

It certainly has spiny barbs so I will be happy with that answer. Thanks.

This was a massive cactus, see the key for size on the second pic. Sorry, could not get a growth-tip picture.

Really beautiful bright red-orange flowers:

Nice round ones, grayish-bluish coloring:

Not trying to be pushy but ... any more ideas?

If the second plant has been growing its whole life with trees all around it, it might help explain its more upward growth habit and lack of red coloring. Well to tell the truth the upright/green-only plant has a Palo Verde tree next to it but it does not provide much shade. Anyway, I appreciate yo...

daiv wrote:... it seems there is hairs or wool on the buds.

Here is another picture that shows the buds a little bit better:

I'll have to go back and see if there are any fruits by now.

The final q for tonite:
'

The one in the front:

An ugly cactus, with small uglies growing on the top.

Thank you Tony!

Is this the same species?

Fuzzy bird neck with small red beak

The base of the small growth is contiguous with that of the large plant. The new growth looks very different from the old growth, photographed from the top. http://www.cactiguide.com/forum/userpix/1915_CGIDQcactus9_7892_1.jpg Flower buds: http://www.cactiguide.com/forum/userpix/1915_CGIDQcactus9_789...