Its name comes from the Latin and literally means "hairy candle", to indicate the two main characteristics: on one side, the typical candelabrum shape of the genus Cereus, with columnar posture, and robust thorns of yellowish colour. On the other hand, it differs strongly from this genus due to the thick whitish down covering the whole stem. Just from this fluff, in summer, showy nocturnal flowers bloom, white-cream and with yellowish shades in the center, which will decorate even more this imposing cactus typically glaucous.