Cleistocactus strausii, Silver Torch Cactus, is a distinctive columnar cactus from southern Bolivia where it grows at elevations of 1500-3000m, usually on steep valley slopes or clinging to vertical or near-vertical cliff faces. The dense silvery-white bristle-like spines and tall slender habit - often clumping from the base - make it one of the most instantly recognisable of all cacti and a well-grown mature plant makes for a stunning specimen.

Cleistocactus strausii requires a gritty free-draining substrate and an aspect in full sun. Coming from high altitudes it is able to tolerate lower temperatures and brief sub-zero episodes and is being experimented with outdoors in favoured locations on the south coast by more adventurous souls. In other colder and wetter locations its more usual aspect in cultivation is tucked up inside a cool glasshouse or making an elegant statement in well-lit lounge or conservatory.

Recently some taxonomists have suggested a reclassification of Cleistocactus strausii as Echinopis straussii... Is nothing sacred?

Tall plants.