About Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus (F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose
Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus grows as a shrub, with branched, arched to creeping shoots emerging from its base. It reaches a maximum growth height of 1 meter, with stems 2 to 3 cm (0.79 to 1.18 inches) in diameter. It has 12 to 14 low ribs. There are 4 to 6 yellowish or brown central spines, which measure 1.5 to 3.5 inches in length. It also has 10 to 34 radial spines, which grow up to 10 mm (0.39 inches) long. The flowers are tubular, straight, and erect, and measure 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2.0 inches) long. The flower tube is red to pink, and the bracts are only slightly spread. The style protrudes slightly from the opening of the flower. The spherical fruits grow up to 1.5 cm (0.59 inches) in diameter. Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus grows among trees and bushes on dry hills in the Bolivian department of Tarija, and the Argentine provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca, at altitudes between 300 and 1500 meters.
