Synonyms:

Cereus aethiops var. landbeckii
Cereus aethiops var. melanacanthus
Cereus azureus
Cereus azureus var. seidelii
Cereus beysiegelii
Cereus chalibaeus
Cereus chalybaeus
Cereus chalybaeus
Cereus coerulescens f. landbeckii
Cereus coerulescens f. melanacanthus
Cereus coerulescens var. landbeckii
Cereus coerulescens var. melanacanthus
Cereus coeruleus
Cereus landbeckii
Cereus landbeckii var. phillipii
Cereus melanacanthus
Cereus nigrispinus
Cereus polychaetus
Cereus seidelii
Piptanthocereus aethiops
Piptanthocereus azureus
Piptanthocereus chalibaeus
Piptanthocereus chalybaeus

Habitat:

Cereus aethiops is a species native to northern Argentina, found in provinces such as Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Córdoba, Entre Rios, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Río Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, and Tucumán. It thrives at elevations ranging from 0 to 800 meters above sea level. This species can be found in a diverse array of habitats, including dry forests, shrublands, chaco, espinal, and pampa grasslands, growing alongside other cacti such as Denmoza rhodacantha, Echinopsis leucantha, Opuntia sulphurea, Maihueniopsis glomerata, Eriosyce strausiana, and Trichocereus candicans. Despite not being abundant, C. aethiops has a stable population and can regenerate from subterranean structures if its above-ground portion is cut. Although the species faces threats from land use change for soybean plantations in the Chaco region, it is considered a stable population with no major threats. It is also used as an ornamental plant in some areas.

Description:

Cereus aethiops is a cactus species with a shrubby, upright, and sometimes prostrate growth habit. It can reach up to 2 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width, with young stems coated in blue wax and black spines that are unique to the species. Despite its small size, this true Cereus will flower when young, producing night-blooming flowers that are fragrant and range in color from white to pale pink. The specific name “aethiops” is derived from the Greek word for “burn, black” and refers to the black spines. The stems are dark bluish green to purplish and can grow up to 2 meters high, with branches rarely forming above the base. The joints are 3 dm long or longer, tapering toward the apex, and have 5 or 8 low, rounded ribs separated by acute intervals. The areoles are large and often nearly black, and are spaced up to 1.5 cm apart. The flowers are long and funnel-shaped, with outer perianth segments that are linear-lanceolate and bluish green on the outside, and inner perianth segments that are white. The fruit is prune-shaped, 4-6 cm long, and ranges in color from brownish-red to purplish when mature. The seeds are black.

Cultivation:

Cereus aethiops is a slow-growing and long-lived cactus prized for its form and flowers. It grows best in the summer and requires a porous mineral cactus mix soil, although it can become too elongated if the compost is too rich. Repotting should be done every other year or when it has outgrown its pot to provide ample space for its roots. The plant requires moderate watering in summer but must be kept dry in winter at a minimum temperature of 0°C. Fertilize with a high potassium fertilizer in the summer. The plant is resistant to frost if kept on the dry side, but it is best to avoid freezing temperatures for safe cultivation. It tolerates bright light and benefits from full sun exposure to encourage flowering and spine production. While it may attract pests like red spiders, mealy bugs, and scales, plants in good condition with proper exposure and ventilation should be nearly pest-free. Root rot is a major issue for this species if not watered and aired correctly, and fungicides may not be effective in treating it.

Propagation:

Propagation of Cereus aethiops can be done using a variety of techniques, including stem cuttings and seed propagation. Stem cuttings are the most common method used to propagate Cereus aethiops and involve taking a healthy stem section and allowing it to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Once planted, the cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment and watered sparingly until it has rooted and new growth appears. Seed propagation is also possible, but it can take longer to achieve mature plants. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until they germinate. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be watered lightly and kept in bright, indirect sunlight. With the proper care and attention, Cereus aethiops can be propagated successfully using either of these methods.

Curiosity:

In some cultures, the flowers of Cereus aethiops are used to make perfume, and the fruit of the plant is sometimes eaten or used to make juice.
Cereus aethiops is sometimes called the “night-blooming cereus,” which is a term that is also used to describe several other species of cactus that only bloom at night.

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