This perennial cactus has upright branched columnar stems with 14-24 ribs that are densely armed with bristle-like yellowish spines. The small bright red to white tube-shaped diurnal flowers appears along the stems during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10 

Cleistocactus tupizensis is naturally found in Bolivia growing in dry rocky mountainous regions in well drained, sandy stony soils. It prefers a lightly shaded to an open sunny position, tolerating hot conditions and drought but is frost sensitive. 

This cactus is grown for its upright habit and flowers. It is planted in small or arid gardens as a specimen or in rockeries and pebbled garden beds. 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 2721

Cleistocactus (KLEES-toe-kak-tus) tupizensis (too-pee-ZEN-sis)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)