Status:
valid
Authors:
(Lam.) Byles & G.D.Rowley
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1957
Citation Micro:
in Cact. Succ. J. Gr. Brit. 19(3): 67. 1957.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001288919
Common Names
- Polygonus Pilosocereus
- Polygonus Hairy Cactus
- Polygonus Old Man Cactus
Description
Pilosocereus polygonus (also called Polygonal Cactus, among many other common names) is a shrub-like cactus with yellowish-green spines and yellow flowers. It is native to Mexico and is found in rocky areas. It is a popular houseplant and is grown for its ornamental value.
Uses & Benefits
Pilosocereus polygonus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Pilosocereus polygonus is white in color and has a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is black and about 1 mm in size. The seedlings are light green and have a diameter of about 4 cm.
Cultivation and Propagation
Pilosocereus polygonus is a small, solitary cactus that grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. It has a globular shape with many ribs and tubercles. The spines are white and curved, and the flowers are pink or white. It is easy to cultivate and propagate from seed or offsets. It prefers a well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C).
Where to Find Pilosocereus polygonus
Pilosocereus polygonus can be found in Mexico.
Pilosocereus polygonus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Pilosocereus polygonus?
Pilosocereus polygonus
What is the common name of Pilosocereus polygonus?
Polygonal Cactus
What is the natural habitat of Pilosocereus polygonus?
Pilosocereus polygonus is native to Brazil and grows in rocky areas and dry forests
Species in the Pilosocereus genus
Pilosocereus chrysostele,
Pilosocereus flexibilispinus,
Pilosocereus machrisii,
Pilosocereus lanuginosus,
Pilosocereus fulvilanatus,
Pilosocereus juaruensis,
Pilosocereus chrysacanthus,
Pilosocereus gimnensis,
Pilosocereus kanukuensis,
Pilosocereus aurilanatus,
Pilosocereus catalani,
Pilosocereus aureispinus,
Pilosocereus bohlei,
Pilosocereus azulensis,
Pilosocereus ulei,
Pilosocereus tillianus,
Pilosocereus splendidus,
Pilosocereus parvus,
Pilosocereus occultiflorus,
Pilosocereus moritzianus,
Pilosocereus pusillibaccatus,
Pilosocereus mollispinus,
Pilosocereus pseudosuperfloccosus,
Pilosocereus robinii,
Pilosocereus arrabidae,
Pilosocereus aurisetus,
Pilosocereus catingicola,
Pilosocereus floccosus,
Pilosocereus glaucochrous,
Pilosocereus hermentianus,
Pilosocereus pentaedrophorus,
Pilosocereus piauhyensis,
Pilosocereus albisummus,
Pilosocereus densiareolatus,
Pilosocereus diersianus,
Pilosocereus flavipulvinatus,
Pilosocereus magnificus,
Pilosocereus multicostatus,
Pilosocereus pachycladus,
Pilosocereus subsimilis,
Pilosocereus vilaboensis,
Pilosocereus polygonus,
Pilosocereus brasiliensis,
Pilosocereus brooksianus,
Pilosocereus collinsii,
Pilosocereus colombianus,
Pilosocereus gaumeri,
Pilosocereus millspaughii,
Pilosocereus purpusii,
Pilosocereus leucocephalus,
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,
References
Franck, A.R., Barrios, D., Campbell, K.C.St.E., Lange, J., Peguero, B., Santiago-Valentín, E., Rigerszki, Z., Haakonsson, J., Gann, G.D., Cinea, W., Howe, N.M.M., St. John, J., Moreno, J.S. & Clark, C.A. 2019: Revision of Pilosocereus (Cactaceae) in the C: