^{(Photograph = forest of Cephalocereus columna-trajani, Lon and Queta)}

Introduction

Cactiguide.com reports a number of names have been applied to this magnificent cactus: Cereus columna-trajani, Pilocereus columna-trajani, Pachycereus columna-trajani, Haseltonia columna-trajani, Pilocereus hoppenstedtii, Cephalocereus hoppenstedtii, Cereus hoppenstedtii, and Haseltonia hoppenstedtii. Large plants are almost unknown in cultivation in the United States.

The Details

Cephalocereus columna-trajani is a tall (to 30 m), nocturnal flowering cactus that seldom branches.  The Red List (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species)  reports that:

Cephalocereus columna-trajani is endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán-Zapotitlán Valley system [of Mexico] and adjacent areas. It is the most emblematic species of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. It occurs at elevations of 600-1,800 m.

Within its restricted range Cephalocereus columna-trajani is abundant and there are no major threats. It is found in a protected area, hence is listed as Least Concern. However, attention is needed on the conservation status of the pollinating bats and the trend on the fragmentation of the habitat where the species occurs. Also, long term monitoring of population trends is needed.

Related Reading: Cephalocereus columna-trajani