Pachycereus weberi aka Candelabro

Pachycereus weberi is a large, tree-like cactus from Mexico. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Its range includes Guerrero, Morelos, Oaxaca and Puebla. It grows in tropical forests that shed their leaves seasonally. Plants occupy slopes and low hills in shallow or deep soils. They can form stands called cardonales, where this cactus dominates. Sources list its conservation status as Least Concern. Farming and cattle ranching still destroy some of its habitat.

This slow-growing succulent forms a thick trunk with upright branches. Sources give heights around 33–36 feet [10–11 metres]. Larger plants reach 49–52 feet [15–16 metres]. The trunk can reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres] before branching. Old plants may carry as many as 90 branches. Their blue-green stems have a pale, waxy bloom. Each branch bears eight to eleven rounded ribs. Areoles along the ribs carry clusters of sharp spines. The spines range from pale grey to brown or black. Long spines also remain on the trunk.

The pale yellow-white flowers open after dark. They grow near branch tips and have a funnel shape. Their tubes bear small scales and yellow-brown hairs. Bats pollinate the flowers. The oblong fruits turn red-purple and contain pulp of similar colour. Yellow bristles cover the fruit, then fall away. Ripe fruits often split into four parts. The small seeds have a pear-like shape.

In cultivation, this cactus needs sun and soil that drains well. A soil pH near neutral suits it. LLIFLE describes it as fairly easy to grow. Its care notes favour an open, mineral-rich potting mix. Plants can spend summer outdoors and withstand temperatures above 30°C. Keep them almost dry during their short winter rest. Yet long dry spells can cause root loss. Cold, wet soil can cause the same problem. Increase watering in stages as growth resumes from March. Growers can raise plants from seeds or mature stem cuttings.

People gather the fruit from wild plants for local markets. They eat it fresh or cooked, or mash it into drinks. Ground seeds go into tortillas and mole sauce. The trunk can serve as a table base. People also use the wood for houses and fuel. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known medicinal uses or hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets or all plant parts. The dense spines remain a physical hazard.