Cereus

Cereus, a large genus of Cactaceæ (q.v.), containing many of the most imposing forms of the order, both as respects vegetation and flowering. C. giganteus reaches a height of 60 feet, often unbranched, its tall pillars giving an extraordinary character to the landscape of New Mexico, while the allied C. peruvianus (36 feet) takes its place in Peru. Others have thin snake-like branches (C. flagelliformis), while the short obconical C. senilis is covered with long silky hairs. Many have splendid flowers, and of these C. speciosissimus with scarlet or purplish flowers is often cultivated, while C. grandiflorus is the well-known night-flowering cactus. The fruits are often much esteemed. For illustration, see CACTUS.