Wikipedia:Picture of the day/August 23, 2005

The

Silver torch cactus is a columnar cactus native to high mountain regions of Bolivia and Argentina. The grey-green columns can grow to a height of 3 m (10 ft) and are densely covered with 4 cm (2 in) long spines

.

In late summer, the Silver torch produces burgundy flowers which protude horizontally from the columns. In common with other cacti in the genus

style and stamens

protruding. Cultivated plants often flower freely.

Photo credit: Raul654
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