About Marginatocereus marginatus (DC.) Backeb.
This cactus species, Marginatocereus marginatus, develops a tree-shaped columnar trunk that grows slowly to 3.7 m (12 feet), and may occasionally reach up to 6.1 m (20 feet) in height. It rarely produces branches. Stems are 7.6 to 10.2 cm (3 to 4 inches) in diameter, with 10 to 18 cm (4 to 7 in) tall ribs. The central spine is around 0.95 cm (3⁄8 inch) long, is slightly yellowish, and is accompanied by five to nine radial spines. These five to nine marginal spines measure 2 to 4 millimeters in length. The large areoles on this cactus merge over time. Flowering areoles, located near the tips of shoots, are covered in many bristles that can grow up to 2 centimeters long. Its funnel-shaped, reddish flowers are 3 to 4 centimeters long. The pericarpel and floral tube of the flowers are covered in scales, with wool and bristles growing in the axils of these scales. The fruits are spherical, more or less dry, and reach up to 4 centimeters in diameter. They are covered in gently sloping thorns and wool. Cuttings of this cactus are sometimes used to construct fences, because its spines are not as large or dangerous as those of many other cactus species. This species is native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo, México, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero. It also occurs in the U.S. states bordering Mexico: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California.
