Oreocereus hempelianus

Pleasant columnar cactus, tending to maintain maximum heights of about 45 cm, often developing groups of multiple stems of various sizes. Of a nice dark green, the body of O. hempelianus is furrowed by rather wide and flat ribs, in strong chromatic contrast with the large white and roundish areoles. From the latter come out vitreous radial spines, thin and directed towards the stem almost to wrap it completely, and central thorns very robust and long, protruding from the areola with showy shades that go from the white towards the blackish of the tips. At the beginning of spring the wild charm of O. hempelianus, typical of the high mountain areas from which it comes, will meet the delicacy and elegance of its large tubular flowers on the notes of red.