The San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi, syn. Trichocereus pachanoi) is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains of Peru between 2000-3000 m in altitude.[1] It is also found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador,[2] and it is cultivated in other parts of the world. The plant is light to dark green, sometimes glaucous, and has 4-9 (usually 5-7) ribs. Groups of 1-4 small, yellow to light brown spines are located at nodes which are spaced evenly, approximately 2 cm apart, along the ribs. Echinopsis pachanoi can grow up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall and have multiple branches, usually extending from the base. The tallest recorded specimen was 12.2 metres (40 ft) tall.[2] The cactus blossoms at night with flowers up to 20 centimetres (8 in) in diameter, and rarely it bears red, tasty fruit. These plants are sold specifically for ornamental use.
