Copiapoa haseltoniana

     Also native to the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, Copiapoa haseltoniana is a clumping columnar up to 5 feet high and 10 inches around. It produces impressive mounds in time. It has straw colored spines and wool at the areoles, that darken as the plant ages. From a cephalium that forms at the growing tips arise yellow flowers.
     This is a pretty plant. I first saw one of these at Bachs Cactus Nursery in Tucson, the first picture below. Then happened to go to Phoenix for a Cacti and Succulent show and found the one above. It had 3 little offsets which I plucked off and potted. Click below for more pictures.

A nice potted clump at Bachs	A view from above	A single areole	A pretty little pup
Another nice specimen at B & B Cactus Farm	Another view of the same plant