Cereus is a genus of columnar cacti native to South America and islands in the southern Caribbean. It belongs to Cactaceae family. There are more than 34 species of the Cereus. “Cereus” comes from Latin word, meaning “candle” (resembling of the trunk).

Cereus hildmannianus is a columnar, tree-like cacti belonging to Cactaceae family. Naturally found  in Brazil,  Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. It is an almost spineless succulent, evergreen, tree-like cactus. Plant has an open crown with a distinct trunk, after which it branches freely up to 10 meters high. Up to 15 cm wide stems have 4-6 ribs and are divided into segments. New shoots are bluish green in colour when young, then turn to green. Stems are spineless and areoles are small (except in subspecies Uruguayensis).

Hedge Cactus flowers in the summer and autumn. Flowering appears after the plant comes to 4 years old and is abundant during summer nights. The white, funnel-shaped flowers are very large, up to 25 cm long and followed by 5 cm, thornless spherical fruits which are red when ripe. The flesh, which is the edible part of the fruit, is white and contains small seeds.

Now recognized two subspecies of the plant: “Cereus hildmannianus subsp. hildmannianus” and Cereus “hildmannianus subsp. uruguayensis”. Subspecies hildmannianus is usually spineless, subsp. uruguayensis which is only found in Uruguay and has thorns.

Cereus hildmannianus need well-drained soils, full sun and occasional watering in the summer. Plant tolerant to -9 ^oC. Propagation can be done by seed or by cuttings. Softwood stem cuttings should allow cut surface to callous over before planting directly into soil.

The ‘Monstrose’ form of the Hedge Cactus has a twisting, irregular undulating pattern on the stem ribs which gives it a unique presence. It is slower growing and somewhat more compact than the standard cactus.

Landscape Use: Cereus hildmannianus strong focal point for xeric landscape themes, also a good container plant. Though these cacti flowers open at night, they stay open long enough for day-time pollinators and people to enjoy the spectacle during the morning hours. Even after the flowers fade, this upright columnar cactus offers an architectural focal point to desert landscapes.