Plant Bio

Cone cactus (Neobuxbaumia polylopha) is a tall solitary cactus that can grow to 13 m tall with a trunk diameter of 36 cm. Blooms in summer with impressive, bright red flowers that bloom nocturnally. It thrives in full sun with low to moderate moisture.

Cone cactus

The cone cactus’s species name (or specific epithet, in scientific lingo) of polylopha translates as “many ribs.” It makes note of the “ribbed” appearance of the cactus. Cone cactus can feature between 10 and 30 ribs running along the length of each segment.

Interesting Facts

Cone cactus grows naturally in only small regions within Mexico. Its habitat consists of limestone-rich cliffs and canyon walls. Unfortunately, development and human activity have made wild cone cactus a rare sight. Cone cactus sprout dark red flowers, a rarity among columnar-shaped cacti which usually have white flowers.