Pachycereus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Pachycereus

Baja California, Mexico
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Tribe:	Echinocereeae
Genus:	*Pachycereus* (A.Berger) Britton & Rose
Type species
Pachycereus pringlei
Species
See text.

Pachycereus is a group of very large cacti that grow mostly in Mexico and a small part of southern Arizona, United States. These amazing plants can look like huge shrubs or even small trees. They can grow up to 15 meters (about 50 feet) tall! Their thick stems can be as wide as 1 meter (about 3 feet). The name Pachycereus comes from ancient Greek and Latin words, meaning "thick torch."

Meet the Giant Cacti
- The Tallest Cactus in the World
- Other Interesting Species
Images for kids
See also

Meet the Giant Cacti

There are about 9 to 12 different kinds of Pachycereus species. Each one is special, but they all share the common features of being very large and having thick stems. They are an important part of the desert environment where they live.

The Tallest Cactus in the World

One of the most famous Pachycereus species is Pachycereus pringlei. This cactus holds a world record! It is the tallest cactus species known, reaching an amazing height of 19.2 meters (over 60 feet). That's taller than a five-story building! This giant cactus is often called the "cardón cactus." You can find it in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora in Mexico.

Other Interesting Species

Many other Pachycereus species grow across Mexico and even into parts of Central America. For example:

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is sometimes called the "Indian comb" cactus.
Pachycereus militaris grows in several Mexican states like Colima and Jalisco.
Pachycereus weberi is found in areas like Oaxaca and Puebla.

These cacti are well-adapted to their dry desert homes. They can store water in their thick stems, helping them survive long periods without rain.