Bergerocactus emoryi aka Golden Snake Cactus

Bergerocactus emoryi is a shrubby cactus with dense golden spines. Its common names include golden cereus and snake cactus. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Its native range runs from southwestern California into Baja California. It also grows on some southern Channel Islands. Wild plants live on sandy coastal slopes and in chaparral. Sea air keeps temperatures mild, and most rain falls in winter.

Branches start near the ground and form broad, tangled clumps. Stems stand upright, lean outward, or trail along the ground. They measure about 0.7–4.9 feet [0.2–1.5 metres] long. Some reach 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Whole clumps can spread several metres across. Trailing stems can root beneath themselves and form new plants. Each stem has shallow ribs beneath its thick spine cover. The yellow spines turn grey or almost black with age. Small pinched sections mark each year's growth. Individual stems live for about ten years.

Yellow flowers open by day during spring. They grow on stems between one and five years old. Fine hairs and spines cover the flower tubes. The outer flower parts may have a green tint. Round fruits have a purple-red blush and a spiny surface. They become dry as they ripen. Ripe fruits push out strips of pulp and seeds over several days. The black seeds have glossy, pitted coats.

This cactus suits pots and hanging baskets. LLIFLE describes it as fairly easy and relatively fast-growing. Use a loose cactus mix that drains well. Water moderately during growth, then let the mix dry fully. Reduce water as autumn temperatures fall, and keep winter conditions dry. LLIFLE also advises dry conditions during hot spells, chiefly outdoors. A bright, cool winter rest helps it flower well. Relatively cool summers suit cultivated plants best. Very dry plants may withstand brief cold down to 28°F [-2°C]. Outdoor winter damp can lead to rot.

Plants can grow from seeds or stem cuttings. Let cut ends seal before planting them in slightly damp mix. Young seedlings need shelter from strong light and must not dry out. In the wild, tuberous roots can send up new stems after fire. Building development threatens its coastal habitat.