About Borzicactus samaipatanus (Cárdenas) Kimnach
Cleistocactus samaipatanus, also known by the scientific name Borzicactus samaipatanus (Cárdenas) Kimnach, grows up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall. This cactus forms branched groups from its base, with multiple long, upright trunks that measure 3.5 to 4 cm (0.11 to 0.13 ft) in diameter. It produces narrow columnar green stems covered in pale gold spines. The stems bear 14 to 16 low, transversely furrowed ribs, each 2 millimeters high and 7 millimeters wide. Areoles sit 3 to 4 millimeters apart on these ribs, and are covered in brownish felt when young. 13 to 22 thin, unequal spines 4 to 30 millimeters long radiate from each areole. The spines can be whitish-ash colored, pale yellowish, or brownish. It grows vigorously, and produces large pinky-red flowers in summer. The flowers are 4 cm long and distinctly crooked. They have narrow, loose, reflexed, pointed purple sepals. The corolla is slightly compressed. The linear petals are blood red and grow up to 15 millimeters long. A ring of wool sits at the base of the flower tube. The stamens are arranged in two rows and have dark purple anthers. The style does not protrude beyond the flower. The small, spherical fruits are 9 to 11 millimeters long and 7 to 9 millimeters wide. They are densely covered in white and brown wool, retain an attached flower remnant, and contain tiny blackish-brown or black seeds. This species is widespread on rock outcrops in the lowlands of Bolivia. It occurs in Florida, Cordillera, and Vallegrande provinces of the Bolivian department of Santa Cruz, and in Luis Calvo province of Chuquisaca Department, at altitudes between 1000 and 2000 meters.
