Oreocereus celsianus | Cactaceae | the old man of the Andes
|
|
Although often considered a unique feature of mammals, several species of plants also possess “hair”, such as the old man of the Andes cactus (Oreocereus celsianus). A conservatory favorite for the species’ beautiful coat of woolly white hair, O. celsianus is native to the Andean mountains of South America, including Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, surviving altitudes of 2,600 to 4,000 meters above sea level.
The luscious white locks protect the cactus from the high ultraviolet radiation present at high altitudes, as well as freezing temperatures. However, the cactus also produces “antifreeze” chemicals within its sap, providing the species with both frost and sunburn resistance. As a result, the old man of the Andes tolerates the temperature extremes of Arizona, and requires strong sun to develop a full coat of hair.
However, the species is not commonly found on the Arboretum Grounds, and only has a single specimen accessioned, located in front of the UA Global Center.
The luscious white locks protect the cactus from the high ultraviolet radiation present at high altitudes, as well as freezing temperatures. However, the cactus also produces “antifreeze” chemicals within its sap, providing the species with both frost and sunburn resistance. As a result, the old man of the Andes tolerates the temperature extremes of Arizona, and requires strong sun to develop a full coat of hair.
However, the species is not commonly found on the Arboretum Grounds, and only has a single specimen accessioned, located in front of the UA Global Center.
You can learn more about Oreocereus celsianus by visiting the Plant Science Club and Arboretum webpages!
