About Stenocereus queretaroensis (F.A.C.Weber ex Mathsson) Buxb.
Stenocereus queretaroensis (F.A.C.Weber ex Mathsson) Buxb. is a tree-like cactus that grows with multiple candelabra-shaped branches, reaching a height of 5–7 m (16–23 ft). It has a central trunk from which many upward-angled branches grow, creating the characteristic candelabra form. Its stems range from reddish to green, measure around 15 cm (6 in) across, and bear six to nine very distinct, blunt, slightly rounded ribs. The areoles are covered in brown to black velvety hairs, and produce five to nine whitish radial spines up to 2 cm (0.8 in) long, plus one to four somewhat grayer central spines; the lower central spines are longer, reaching up to 4 cm (1.6 in). The species produces scented, white, funnel-shaped flowers that grow from the sides of stem tips. The flowers are 7.8–12 cm (3.1–4.7 in) long, with a diameter of 4.5 to 6.7 centimeters. They open at night and stay open until the following morning. The flower tube is slightly bulging near the nectar chamber, and both the flower tube and pericarpel are hairless. The fruits are spherical, range in color from green to red or purple, and have a diameter of 5 to 6 centimeters. They are covered in thorns and hairs, and their flesh can be white, red, or purple. This cactus is commonly found in the Mexican states of Colima, Edomex, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Querétaro, and Zacatecas. It grows in deciduous forests and dry shrublands at altitudes between 0 and 1800 meters, where it occurs alongside Ceiba aesculifolia, Neltuma laevigata, Parkinsonia praecox, Celtis pallida, Lophocereus marginatus, Myrtillocactus geometrizans, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, and Isolatocereus dumortieri.
