About Soehrensia spachiana (Lem.) Schlumpb.
Soehrensia spachiana is a columnar-growing cactus that reaches up to 2 meters (7 feet) tall, with a diameter of 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2 1/4 inches). Vertical branches grow from the base of the plant. Each column has 10 to 15 rounded ribs. The large areoles are spaced around 1 centimeter apart, and bear wavy yellow hairs. The straight spines are red-yellow when young, and fade to white as they age. A central spine around 1 to 2 centimeters (1/2 to 3/4 inch) long is surrounded by 8 to 10 smaller radial spines that measure 0.4 to 1 centimeter (1/4 to 1/2 inch) in length. The white flowers are 15 centimeters (6 inches) across and 18 to 20 centimeters (7 to 7 3/4 inches) long, 8 centimeters of which is the flower tube. In the northern hemisphere, flowers emerge between June and July and open at night. Soehrensia spachiana is native to western Argentina, specifically around Icaño in Santiago del Estero province, and to Bolivia. It is classified as a declared weed in South Africa.
