Found in Amazonas, Peru, Matucana madisoniorum is an initially egg shaped cactus with interesting geometrically shaped ribs. It gets to be about six inches tall and 4 inches around, becoming becomes somewhat columnar with age. The long flexable spines are fragile and break off fairly easily. In fact many specimens are seen nearly spineless, and some collectors prefer them that way. Personally I like the spines. Reportedly the specimens from lower altitudes lose their spines as they age but retain them if from higher altitudes. I'm hoping this one is a mountain cactus because the spines are cool :-)
     I haven't seen any flowers yet but have read they are large, long, tubular and scarlet colored. I got this one in October 2005. It's about 2 inches around and 3 inches high.
     

Update April 22nd, 2005. We got a flower! And another on the way!
     Update August 6th, 2006. I got another one and potted them together. I've found these will flower several times through spring and summer.
Three flowers at once and then fruit!
Click below.

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