This perennial cactus has an upright-branched habit with ribbed, spiked stems up to 60cm (2ft) diameter. The blue-green stems have up to 16 rounded ribs armed with thorns. The solitary white funnel-shaped flowers are nocturnal, appearing during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11

Pachycereus pringleiis naturally found in north-west Mexico growing in semi desert areas on very well drained gritty light soils and tolerates drought and high temperatures but is frost tender.

This large cactus is grown for its habit and is planted in large gardens or parks as a specimen. It is also used in rock or succulent gardens establishing in 3 to 6 years and is long lived. It is grown in containers and used as an indoor plant when young or as a glasshouse specimen in cool climates. It is the largest species in the genus. ID 1799

Pachycereus(pak-ee-SEER-ee-us) pringlei(PRING-lee-eye)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)