Fire-cracker cactus

Description

Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus is a species of the Cactaceae family, endemic to Catamarca, Chaco, Formosa, Jujuy, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán in Argentina. It is a common species that has spread throughout the world. Columnar cactus very branched from the base. The stems reach a height of up to 2 m and 5 cm in diameter, with 12 to 16 ribs; 4 to 6 central spines and 10 to 14 radial spines on each areola of yellow color. The flowers, about 5 cm long, tubular and barely open, have a red or pink tube with a greenish apex.