Dildo Cactus   (Cephalocerus millspaughii)

". . . the harsh Turks & Caicos environment and climate is decadent by cactus standards. For this reason, the Turks & Caicos Islands are a veritable haven for the cactus family, Cactaceae, which is well represented here by many rare and unique species. Some species, such as Prickly Pear, figure prominently in local folklore due to their usefulness. Others have suggestive titles, like the Dildo and Woolly Nipple cacti. In addition, some are admired for their beauty, like the Turk's Head cactus which is a national symbol   *  *  *     The Dildo Cactus (Cephalocereus millspaughii) is the most common cactus found in the Turks & Caicos. It is hard to imagine how a spiny and threatening cactus conjured up the image that lends this cactus its common name. It is probably due to the long tubular shapes of the branches of its tree-like form. Each branch is ribbed with from eight to thirteen distinct sections which bear sharp spines along their margins. The tips of the branches are often adorned with tufts of a white hairy substance resembling an old man's beard. This has led to the plant also being referred to as an Old Man Cactus locally. These terrestrial giants can be seen dotting the landscape throughout the Islands as they tower above the majority of native vegetation at heights of up to 20 feet." -- Kathleen McNary Wood          TURKS & CAICOS CACTI     Times of the Islands

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