This perennial cactus is erect with branches from the base with grey green stems that are up to 30mm (1⅛in) thick with up to 15 ribs. It is densely covered in whitish spines and the yellow-green tube-shaped flowers appear at night during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Cleistocactus ritteri is naturally found in South America growing in Bolivia on dry rocky mountainous areas in very well drained moderately fertile gravelly soils in a semi-shaded to an open sunny position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

This cactus is grown for its upright habit and is planted in small or arid gardens as a specimen in rockeries or pebbled garden bed. It is also used in patio pots in a sunny position and is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 2 to 3 years from division. ID 2423

Cleistocactus (KLEES-toe-kak-tus) ritteri (writ-ter-i)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)