The Fluffy Cactus, Oreocereus celsianus, is also known as the “Old man of the Andes” and hails from high altitude areas in the Andes (South America). It's part of a cactus and succulent display at the Auckland Domain Wintergarden this winter.
The hair has evolved to shelter the cactus from high light and extreme temperatures and makes it look deceptively downy – in reality there is another layer of sharp spines hidden just under the white hairs that protect the plant from anything that might want to eat it.
It can grow up to three meters high, although the specimens at the Wintergardens are much more manageable.
The cactus and succulent display at the Wintergarden includes a variety of cacti and other succulent plants from arid regions of the Americas and Africa.
Highlights include large specimens of Ficus palmeri – the American Rock Fig, Euphorbia stenoclada – the silver thicket from the Madagascan spiny forests, Oxalis gigantea – the tree Oxalis from Chile and Fockea edulis – a South African lump plant.
There are also smaller specimens of assorted cacti, Aloe, Euphorbia Haworthia and other curious desert plants.
