Cephalocereus senilis, the old man cactus, is a species of cactus native to Hidalgo and Veracruz in central Mexico.
Description
Cephalocereus senilis is a tall, columnar species with clusters of stems that may grow to 5–15 m tall; the individual stems are usually unbranched, being unable to withstand the weight of side branches adequately. These vertical columns emerge from a massive underground
rhizome.
The most striking feature is the shaggy coat of long, white hairs suggestive of unkempt hair on an old man. The coat is a particularly striking silvery white on the young cactus; as the plant ages the stem begins to lose its covering. The
are red, yellow, or white, though the plant may not flower until 10–20 years old.
Morphology and function of the coat
The hairs are modified spines and they make many a plant appear almost snow-white; they serve to protect the plant from frost and sun. However, the hairs are only the
Areole of the cactus; they conceal formidable sharp yellow
Areole that belie the inoffensive appearance of the hairy covering.
Cultivation
Cephalocereus senilis is a very popular cactus in cultivation, grown for its woolly appearance. It prefers a very well-drained
soil mix (more so than many other cacti), and much bright sunlight, which encourages growth of the hair.
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