Austrocylindropuntia vestita F. cristata

Austrocylindropuntia vestita F. cristata

This interesting cactus is native to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Sometimes called Opuntia vestita, A. vestita usually forms cylindrical stems. The cristate form of A. vestita has unsegmented, undulating pads covered with a fine white hair. The tube-like growths at the top of the cactus are modified leaves, which remain a good part of the year.

The pads can grow to almost two feet long, and propagation is by cuttings. I originally acquired this species as part of a potted cactus garden, and I have easily propagated several pads from that original cactus. This particular species is prone to root rot, so prudent watering is necessary.


A. vestita F. cristata is not a reliable bloomer. When flowering finally occurs, the flowers will be red. This cactus is commonly sold as a novelty with pasted-on googly eyes, a practice that I find appalling. However, it is easy to imagine this cactus as a hairy little guy with spiked hair, even without the googly eyes.