Introduction

Members of the Cactaceae are found from northern United states to Argentina. They can be exquisitely shaped and have open or tubular flowers of many colors. Even their fruits can be interesting; some are blue or red.

Sky High

Cacti grow from sea level to over 4,300 m (2.7 mi) altitude. In fact, forms of Rebutia einsteinii are reported that grow at  4,500 m (over 3 miles) above sea level. Multiple cactus species of many forms grow above 3,000 m. These plants are South American and grow at or near the Equator.

In the United States, few cacti grow above 8,000 ft. The northern location of the North American mountains means that temperatures are very cold at such altitudes.

Rebutia xantocarpa

Escobaria vivipara, Mt. Charleston, NV, 3,000 ft

Mammillaria plumosa, Mexico

Peniocereus gregii fruit, Anthony Mendoza

Grusonia kunzei, Anthony Mendoza

Carnegiea gigantea fruit, Anthony Mendoza

Astrophytum, Anthony Mendoza