Introduction

Denmoza only has one species in its genus. It forms columns and usually does not branch in habitat. It was originally found in the Mendoza region of Argentina–Denmoza is an anagram for Mendoza.

^{(photo above by Stuart)}

The Details

Denmoza was apparently discovered about 1820, but it was not formally described until later. The plant has been placed in different genera over the years including Echinopsis, Cleistocactus, and Oreocereus.

D. rhodocantha (rhoda = rose; acantha = thorn or spine) is found in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mts in Argentina. Many spines are reddish when new. The plants range for about 800-900 miles from Mendoza north towards Salta, from about 2,000 ft or higher. The plants may have as many as 30 ribs with up to 12 spines per areole. Thus the spines are many and densely packed.

The flowers are red and open during the day as might be expected for a humming bird-pollinated cactus. The flowers are tubular but with a slight curve. The barrels can grow over 1 m tall and may be roundish or columnar (Anderson, 2001).

Related Reading: Arizona Barrel Cactus

Spines of cultivated plant of Denmoza rhodocantha

Denmoza rhodocantha columnar growth

Denmoza rhodocantha red flowers in habitat

Denmoza rhodocantha with red flowers in habitat

Hillside in northern Patagonia covered with Denmoza rhodocantha

Hillside in northern Patagonia covered with Denmoza rhodocantha