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{{Short description|Species of cactus}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Speciesbox
{{taxobox
⚫
| image = Cleistocactus strausii Woolly Torch, Huntington Desert Garden.jpg
| name = '''''white banana'''''
|status = LC
⚫
| image = Cleistocactus strausii Woolly Torch, Huntington Desert Garden.jpg
|status_system = IUCN3.1
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
|status_ref = <ref name="IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010 p. ">{{cite journal | title=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | journal=IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | date=2010-09-21 | url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/en | access-date=2023-08-07 | page=}}</ref>
| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
⚫
| genus = Cleistocactus
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
⚫
| species = strausii
| unranked_ordo = [[Core eudicots]]
⚫
| authority = (Hesse) Backeb.
| ordo = [[Caryophyllales]]
| familia = [[Cactaceae]]
⚫
| genus = ''[[Cleistocactus]]''
⚫
| species = '''''C. strausii'''''
| binomial = ''Cleistocactus strausii''
⚫
| binomial_authority (Hesse)Backeb.
}}
}}


'''''Cleistocactus strausii''''', commonly known as the '''silver torch''' or '''wooly torch''', is a [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[cactus]] of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Cactaceae]]. It is [[native plant|native]] to high mountain regions of Bolivia and Argentina, above {{convert|3000|m|0|abbr=on}}.
'''''Cleistocactus strausii''''', the '''silver torch''' or '''wooly torch''', is a [[perennial plant|perennial]] flowering plant in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Cactaceae]]. It is [[native plant|native]] to mountainous regions of Department Tarija, Bolivia, at {{convert|1500-3000|m|0|abbr=on}}.


⚫
==Description==
Its slender, erect, grey-green columns can reach a height of {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}}, but are only about {{convert|6|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} across. The columns are formed from around 25 ribs and are densely covered with [[areole]]s, supporting four yellow-brown [[Thorns, spines, and prickles|spine]]s up to {{convert|4|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} long and 20 shorter white [[radial spine|radial]]s.
''Cleistocactus strausii'' grows as a shrub, slender, erect, branches out from the base with several upright, with gray-green columns growing up to {{cvt|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, but only about {{convert|6|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} across, which are covered in white spines. The light green shoots reach a diameter of up to 8 cm (3.1 in) and are completely covered by dense, white spines. There are 25 to 30 ribs and are densely covered with [[areole]]s, supporting four yellow-brown [[Thorns, spines, and prickles|spine]]s up to {{convert|4|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} long and 20 shorter white [[radial spine|radial]]s. The approximately 4 central spines are light yellow and up to 2 centimeters long. The 30 to 40 white radial spines are hairy to bristly and 1.5 to 5 centimeters long.


Older cacti, over {{convert|45|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} tall, produce tubular flowers in late summer. They are deep red to burgundy and grow up to {{convert|6|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} long cylindrical flowers protrude horizontally and radially from the stem of the cactus.The flower-tube is very densely covered with silky hairs. The pear to spherical, red fruits reach a diameter of up to 2 centimeters. In common with other cacti in the genus ''[[Cleistocactus]]'', the flowers hardly open, with only the [[carpel|style]] and [[stamen]]s protruding.
⚫
The cactus prefers free draining soils, strong sunlight, but not high temperatures &mdash; in fact it can withstand hard frosts down to -10&nbsp;°C. In its natural habitat it receives plenty of water during the summer, but almost none over the winter. In cultivation, watering too much in winter often leads to root rot.


⚫
Older cactuses, over {{convert|45|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} tall, produce deep red, burgundy, flowers in late summer. The {{convert|6|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}} long cylindrical flowers protrude horizontally from the columns. In common with other cacti in the genus [[Cleistocactus]], the flowers hardly open, with only the [[carpel|style]] and [[stamen]]s protruding. Cultivated plants often flower freely. In the United Kingdom, this plant is usually grown under glass, and has gained the [[Royal Horticultural Society]]'s [[Award of Garden Merit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=2459|title=RHS Plant Selector Cleistocactus strausii AGM / RHS Gardening |publisher=Apps.rhs.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-09-23}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The Silver Torch cactus (''Cleistocactus strausii'') derives its name from the Greek word "kleistos" which means "closed." This is due to its deep red/burgundy flowers rarely opening.
⚫
==Description==
[[File:Cleistocactus strausii2.jpg|thumb|When mature, the silver torch cactus produces red flowers extending horizontally from the main columns]]
The cactus has gray-green columns that grow up to 10 meters tall and a few inches wide which are covered in white spines. Only older plants will blossom deep red/burgundy cylindrical flowers. These flowers horizontally emerge from the stem of the cactus. These deep red to burgundy flowers grow up to 3 inches long.


==Habitat==
==Habitat==
The Silver Torch cactus, which has many names (Snow Pole, Wooly Torch), is a perennial cacti endemic to Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. As such, this cactus prefers high, mountainous regions that are dry and semi-arid. Like other cacti and succulents, it thrives in porous soil and full sun. While partial sunlight is the minimum requirement for survival, full sunlight for several hours a day is required for the Silver Torch cactus to bloom flowers.
''Cleistocactus strausii'' prefers mountainous regions that are dry and semi-arid. Like other cacti and succulents, it thrives in porous soil and full sun. While partial sunlight is the minimum requirement for survival, full sunlight for several hours a day is required for the silver torch cactus to bloom flowers.

⚫
Silver torch cacti can thrive in [[Nitrogen deficiency|low-nitrogen]] soils without facing the consequences. Too much water will make the plants weak and lead to root rot.

⚫
==Conservation status==
This cactus is locally abundant in its native land and has few local threats to its survival, so it is rated [[Least-concern species|Least Concern]]. <ref name="IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010 p. "/>


⚫
Silver Torch cactus can thrive in low-nitrogen soil without facing the consequences of [[Nitrogen deficiency|low nitrogen]]. Too much water will make the plant weak and lead to root rot.
⚫
==Conservation Status==
[[Least-concern species|Least Concern]]. This cactus is locally abundant in its native land and has few local threats to its survival.
==Propagation==
==Propagation==
This cactus can be propagated by [[Cutting (plant)|cuttings]] or seed.
It can be propagated by [[Cutting (plant)|cuttings]] or seed. Cuttings should be taken near the base of the main stem, similar to cuttings for aloe vera. Rooting of this new cutting usually occurs within 3-8 weeks, therefore it is usually better to propagate silver torch cactus via seed.


⚫
This cactus prefers free draining soils, strong sunlight, but not high temperatures; in fact it can withstand hard frosts down to {{cvt|-10|C|F|abbr=on}}. In its natural habitat it receives plenty of water during the summer, but almost none over the winter. In cultivation, watering too much in winter often leads to [[root rot]].
Cuttings should be taken near the base of the main stem, similar to cuttings for aloe vera. Rooting of this new cutting usually occurs within 3-8 weeks, therefore it is usually better to propagate Silver Torch cactus via seed.


⚫
Cultivated plants often flower freely. In the United Kingdom, this plant is usually grown under glass, and has gained the [[Royal Horticultural Society]]'s [[Award of Garden Merit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3913/Cleistocactus-strausii/Details|title=RHS Plant Selector ''Cleistocactus strausii'' AGM / RHS Gardening |publisher=Apps.rhs.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2020-04-17}}</ref>
As a houseplant, the Silver Torch cactus is an easy to take care of so long as over-watering is avoided. To naturally simulate the porous effects of the sand in its native habitat, it's important to ensure that excess water will not pool in the soil, causing the roots to become water logged.
==Winter Survival==
This plant’s native habitat does not have winter, but when temperatures drop to the low twenties, it can exhibit signs of tip frost.
==Pests==
==Pests==
The Silver Torch cactus is most susceptible to
The silver torch cactus is most susceptible to [[Mealybug|mealybugs]] and [[spider mite]].
[[Mealybug|mealybugs]]
and [[Spider mite|spider mite]].


Mealybugs are one of the most common pests of cacti and succulents. Mealybugs can be identified by their white, cottony masses on the plant. These are signs that the bugs are reproducing. These pests are especially problematic to plants such as the Silver Torch cactus because they suck out plant sap, depleting the strength of the plant. These plant-sucking bugs can also cause sooty mold along with their fluffy white wax, detracting from the appearance of these plants. Another form of mealybug attacks the root system of plants, which is harder to detect.
Mealybugs are among the most common pests of cacti and succulents. They can be identified by their white, cottony masses on the plant. These are signs that the bugs are reproducing. These pests are especially problematic because they suck out plant sap, depleting the strength of the plant. They can also cause sooty mold along with their fluffy white wax, detracting from the plants' appearance. Another form of mealybug attacks the root system of plants, which is harder to detect.


Mites thrive in the same hot, dry conditions that the Spider Torch cactus lives in. Spider mites cause damage by sucking out vital nutrients from the plant. Large populations of mites can cause irreversible damage on the plant, eventually killing the plant.
Mites thrive in the same hot, dry conditions that the silver torch cactus lives in. Spider mites cause damage by sucking out vital nutrients from the plant. Large populations of mites can cause irreversible damage, eventually killing the plant.

⚫
However, both pests can be hosed off with water.


⚫
However, both pests can be hosed off the cactus with water.
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery mode=packed>
File:Cleistocactus strausii (70387).jpg
File:Flowers by silver torch cactus.jpg|Flowers by silver torch cactus
File:Cleistocactus strausii Cacti.JPG|Young cacti columns
Cleistocactus strausii pm.jpg
File:Cleistocactus strausii (70387).jpg|''C. strausii'' in a greenhouse
Cleistocactus strausii 5.jpg
Antorcha plateada (Cleistocactus strausii), jardín botánico de Tallinn, Estonia, 2012-08-13, DD 02.JPG|Exemplar in Tallinn Botanic Garden
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*W. (2016, December 27). Cleistocactus strausii - Silver Torch Cactus. Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://worldofsucculents.com/cleistocactus-strausii-silver-torch-cactus-snow-pole/
*W. (2016, December 27). ''Cleistocactus strausii'' - Silver Torch Cactus. Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://worldofsucculents.com/cleistocactus-strausii-silver-torch-cactus-snow-pole/
*Mealybugs in the Greenhouse. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-and-related-pests-of-flowers-and-foliage-plants/mealybugs-in-the-greenhouse
*Mealybugs in the Greenhouse. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-and-related-pests-of-flowers-and-foliage-plants/mealybugs-in-the-greenhouse{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*Silver Torch Cactus. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://www.horticultureunlimited.com/plant-guide/silver-torch-cactus/
*Silver Torch Cactus. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://web.archive.org/web/20171014004620/http://www.horticultureunlimited.com/plant-guide/silver-torch-cactus/
*Silver Torch Cactus - Cleistocactus strausii - Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from http://eol.org/pages/5188261/overview
*Silver Torch Cactus - ''Cleistocactus strausii'' - Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from http://eol.org/pages/5188261/overview
*Plants & Flowers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from http://www.plantsrescue.com/tag/silver-torch-cactus/
*Plants & Flowers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2018, from https://web.archive.org/web/20181019164012/http://www.plantsrescue.com/tag/silver-torch-cactus/



==External links==
==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Cleistocactus strausii|''Cleistocactus strausii''}}
{{Wikispecies}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Cleistocactus strausii|''Cleistocactus strausii''}}
* [http://birdfotos.com/blooms-thorns/s-torch/torch01.htm close up picture of flowers]
*[http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Cleistocactus_strausii.html desert-tropicals.com]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051101024213/http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198502128.html University of Connecticut Ecology department]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051101024213/http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198502128.html University of Connecticut Ecology department]
*[http://www.bihrmann.com/rikke/subs/cle-str-sub.asp Bihrmann's caudiciforms]



{{Taxonbar|from=Q144921}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q144921}}


[[Category:Trichocereeae]]
[[Category:Cleistocactus|strausii]]
[[Category:Cacti of South America]]
[[Category:Cacti of South America]]
[[Category:Flora of Argentina]]
[[Category:Flora of Bolivia]]
[[Category:Flora of Bolivia]]
[[Category:Flora of the Andes]]
[[Category:Flora of the Andes]]

Latest revision as of 22:15, 25 May 2024

Cleistocactus strausii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Cleistocactus
Species:
C. strausii
Binomial name
Cleistocactus strausii
(Hesse) Backeb.

Cleistocactus strausii, the silver torch or wooly torch, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Cactaceae. It is native to mountainous regions of Department Tarija, Bolivia, at 1,500–3,000 m (4,921–9,843 ft).

Description

[edit]

Cleistocactus strausii grows as a shrub, slender, erect, branches out from the base with several upright, with gray-green columns growing up to 3 m (9.8 ft) tall, but only about 6 cm (2.5 in) across, which are covered in white spines. The light green shoots reach a diameter of up to 8 cm (3.1 in) and are completely covered by dense, white spines. There are 25 to 30 ribs and are densely covered with areoles, supporting four yellow-brown spines up to 4 cm (1.5 in) long and 20 shorter white radials. The approximately 4 central spines are light yellow and up to 2 centimeters long. The 30 to 40 white radial spines are hairy to bristly and 1.5 to 5 centimeters long.

Older cacti, over 45 cm (17.5 in) tall, produce tubular flowers in late summer. They are deep red to burgundy and grow up to 6 cm (2.5 in) long cylindrical flowers protrude horizontally and radially from the stem of the cactus.The flower-tube is very densely covered with silky hairs. The pear to spherical, red fruits reach a diameter of up to 2 centimeters. In common with other cacti in the genus Cleistocactus, the flowers hardly open, with only the style and stamens protruding.


Habitat

[edit]

Cleistocactus strausii prefers mountainous regions that are dry and semi-arid. Like other cacti and succulents, it thrives in porous soil and full sun. While partial sunlight is the minimum requirement for survival, full sunlight for several hours a day is required for the silver torch cactus to bloom flowers.

Silver torch cacti can thrive in low-nitrogen soils without facing the consequences. Too much water will make the plants weak and lead to root rot.

Conservation status

[edit]

This cactus is locally abundant in its native land and has few local threats to its survival, so it is rated Least Concern. [1]

Propagation

[edit]

It can be propagated by cuttings or seed. Cuttings should be taken near the base of the main stem, similar to cuttings for aloe vera. Rooting of this new cutting usually occurs within 3-8 weeks, therefore it is usually better to propagate silver torch cactus via seed.

This cactus prefers free draining soils, strong sunlight, but not high temperatures; in fact it can withstand hard frosts down to −10 °C (14 °F). In its natural habitat it receives plenty of water during the summer, but almost none over the winter. In cultivation, watering too much in winter often leads to root rot.

Cultivated plants often flower freely. In the United Kingdom, this plant is usually grown under glass, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]

Pests

[edit]

The silver torch cactus is most susceptible to mealybugs and spider mite.

Mealybugs are among the most common pests of cacti and succulents. They can be identified by their white, cottony masses on the plant. These are signs that the bugs are reproducing. These pests are especially problematic because they suck out plant sap, depleting the strength of the plant. They can also cause sooty mold along with their fluffy white wax, detracting from the plants' appearance. Another form of mealybug attacks the root system of plants, which is harder to detect.

Mites thrive in the same hot, dry conditions that the silver torch cactus lives in. Spider mites cause damage by sucking out vital nutrients from the plant. Large populations of mites can cause irreversible damage, eventually killing the plant.

However, both pests can be hosed off with water.

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010-09-21. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  2. ^ "RHS Plant Selector Cleistocactus strausii AGM / RHS Gardening". Apps.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-04-17.
[edit]
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