Eulychnia breviflora was described by Rodulfo Amando Philippi (1808-1904) and published in "Florula Atacamensis seu Enumeriatio" in 1860. This species is found in the coastal Atacama desert of northern Chile. Although the region experiences very little rainfall, the frequent and often dense coastal fogs play a crucial role in helping this plant survive the extreme aridity of the area.
Scientific Name
Eulychnia breviflora Phil.
Synonym(s)
Cereus longispinus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Eulychnia
Etymology
The specific epithet "breviflora" (pronounced brev-ee-FLOR-uh) means "short-flowered" and refers to the flowers that barely emerge from a nest of brownish wool.
Origin
Eulychnia breviflora is native to Chile. It occurs in the coastal fog zone from south of the Atacama Region to the Coquimbo Region.
Description
Eulychnia breviflora is a tree-like cactus that typically has a well-defined but very short trunk and upright, greyish-green or dark-green stems. It can grow up to 23 feet (7 m) tall. The stems have 10 to 18 slightly tuberculate ribs, which may be furrowed between areoles. They can reach a diameter of 4.4 inches (11 cm). The ribs of the stems are lined with closely spaced, densely woolly areoles that bear clusters of spines, which are generally not well differentiated into central and radial. Each areole usually bears 1 to 2 stout central spines that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 10 to 30 radial spines that can reach a length of 0.8 inches (2 cm). Initially, the spines are brownish to black but turn grey with age.
During the summer, Eulychnia breviflora produces white or light pink, bell-shaped flowers. The pericarpel of the flowers is covered with small, green scales and dense brownish wool but lacks stiff bristles. The flowers can measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, including the pericarpel. The fruits are fleshy, spherical, and hairy, growing up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Although the fruits are edible, they are not particularly tasty.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care for Eulychnia breviflora
Light: Eulychnia breviflora thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. On particularly hot summer days, light shade can be beneficial. If grown indoors, a sunny window is an ideal location. To promote balanced growth, rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two. If possible, move the plant outdoors during the spring to fall.
Soil: This cactus prefers well-draining soil.. You can either use a commercial cacus mix or make your own.
Hardiness: Eulychnia breviflora enjoys warm temperatures during the growing season but prefers cooler conditions in winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: To keep this cactus healthy, water it thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. As fall approaches, gradually reduce the frequency of watering. During the winter dormancy, water the cactus only enough to prevent it from shrinking.
Fertilizing: Regular fertilization is required during the growing season. Add a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength to each watering. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is ideal, but stop fertilizing during the winter.
Repotting: You should repot Eulychnia breviflora once a year when it is young and when it outgrows its pot as it matures.
Propagation: The easiest method to propagate this cactus is by stem cuttings, as seed propagation is a slow process. Spring and summer are the best times to take cuttings and sow the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Eulychnia.
Toxicity of Eulychnia breviflora
Eulychnia breviflora is considered non-toxic.
Links
- Back to genus Eulychnia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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