About Cephalocereus polylophus (DC.) Britton & Rose
Cephalocereus polylophus is a columnar cactus that grows as a single individual, reaching up to 13 to 15 meters (43 to 49 feet) in height, and can weigh several tons. Its columnar shoots are light green when young and darken as they age, with diameters up to 50 centimeters (1 foot 8 inches). Shoots have 22 to 36 narrow, slightly curved ribs, rarely as few as 10, separated by sharp furrows. This species typically has one flexible central spine, which may be absent, and this central spine is often shorter than its seven to eight marginal spines. The flexible marginal spines measure 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long, are yellowish to brownish when young, and turn gray with age. Flowers usually grow in groups near shoot tips; they are dark red, 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) long, and reach 30 to 35 millimeters (1.2 to 1.4 inches) in diameter. The pericarpel and floral tube of the flowers are covered with fairly large tubercles and small scales that are hairless in their axils. The egg-shaped green fruits are 24 to 40 millimeters (0.9 to 1.6 inches) long, covered with scales, wool, and bristles. These fruits are edible for humans and have a delicate, nutty flavor. Cephalocereus polylophus is native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo, Querétaro, Guanajuato, and San Luis Potosí.
