Japanese name: 鬼面角 Scientific name:Cereus repandus
[Overview]
A columnar cactus growing 10 m tall and 10–20 cm in diameter.
Some plants branch freely and form a crown 5 m wide, often looking like a tall tree.
It has 6–9 ribs 2–5 cm high.
The areoles are brown at first and later gray, and bear 5–10 spines.
The spines are needle-like, 1–3 cm long, and brown to black.
The flowers are about 15 cm long and 10–15 cm across, white to cream, and open at night.
The underside of the outermost petals is tinged with red.
There are many stamens.
The fruit is ovoid and ripens red; the flesh is white and contains many sesame-like black seeds.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions where frost does not fall.
It prefers a sunny, well-ventilated place and should be planted in well-drained, airy soil.
It is best kept on the dry side; for potted plants, water thoroughly after the soil has dried from spring to autumn, and reduce watering in winter.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
If basal fertilizer is applied, no further fertilizing is particularly necessary.
Take care not to overwater or overfertilize.
Pests include scale insects.
