Wooly, tree-like columnar cactus to 5-23 feet tall, with branching above about 3-4 feet. Stems grow to 4 inches wide (trunks to 8 inches wide) with 18-25 ribs, 0-1 central spine, 30-40 radial spines. Purplish flowers appear on a lateral cephalium (4-5 ribs) with light brown or grayish wool. From southern Ecuador and northern Peru, widespread and variable. The type species of this genus of spiny, columnar cacti with lateral cephalia, and probably the most common in cultivation.

Grow on the dry side, provide strong light and excellent drainage.

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