This cactus has an upright tree-like habit with ribbed grey green stems that are sparsely branched. The dark spines appear along the rib margins and the whitish funnel-shaped flowers appear during summer nights.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Cereus uruguayanusis naturally found from south-east Brazil to northern Argentina. The stems and branches have up to 6 ribs that are up to 50mm (2in) deep.

It grows in very well drained moderately fertile dry sandy to gravely loams in a open sunny position and tolerates drought or high temperatures but is frost tender.

The Peruvian Apple is grown for its habit and is planted in large arid gardens or cactus collections as a specimen. It is suitable for inland regions and establishes in 3-5 years and as long lived. This large cactus is planted in parks and gardens and the cultivar 'Monstrosus' is commonly found as a potted specimen in domestic gardens. In cold climates it is grown as a container plant, under glass. ID 1388

Cereus(SEER-ee-us) uruguayanus(oo-roo-GWY-ah-nus)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)