Twisted Cereus

[SW_FL_Gardens]

[SW_FL_Gardens]

Saw this growing in Brazil.

Would love to get one started here (Florida) ?
Anyone seen this in the US or have one ?

[agavemonger]

There has been a plant in cultivation in California for many years known as cereus peruvianus 'twister' that has simialarities to the normal branch on the plant in your photo. It does the "barber-pole" thing pretty well but tends to revert to a more or less normal growth pattern quite readily. The clone in your photograph is absolutely exceptional, trending almost towards a monstrose form. What is so interesting is that the arms are spiral in one direction, then reverse in another direction! Absolutely amazing plant. Is this plant located in a public garden or private? It would make for an incredible new introduction if it could be brought in as a cutting (Seed would almost certainly not show this twisting effect). Perhaps you have "connections" there!? Thanks for the awesome photo! the agavemonger

[SW_FL_Gardens]

The photo was taken at the Jardin Botanico in Rio.

We also saw specimens in a private collection "Recanto Dos Cactos" in Iguassu Falls, Brazil. She has the variegate cereus cactus too.

Unfortunately I don't have connections or an import permit.

We attended the IPS (International Palm Society) biennial in Rio back in April and were fortunate to visit many gardens.

[SW_FL_Gardens]

http://h2foz.com.br/english/modules/...p?storyid=9763

This is the link to a story about the cactus garden in Iguassu Falls.
Unfortunately, she doesn't speak English. We had a private tour guide take us there and translate.

[succulentfan]

That is a stunning plant!! Wow thanks for sharing.

[SW_FL_Gardens]

This one is from the private garden (mentioned above) in Iguassu Falls.

Notice in the background how they have grass around the cactus beds.

[agavemonger]

Its interesting how both of these plants have made attempts to revert, then gone back to their typical twister growth. The plants in California do the same thing, but their twisting is only about one third as tight as the Brazil plants. Notice that this plant has also reversed its spirals! Thanks for the fabulous photos Geri!!