This modern high-rise cactus is one of the most attractive and cleanest-looking cacti.  Many villages in Mexico use this columnar cacti to construct a living fence along the roadways.

Mexican Fence Post Cactus’ tall stems branch out from the base to form a fence-like cluster of tall, cylindrical posts, some as high as 20 feet; it’s deep green ribs have short minor white spines along the edges of the stem.  The central stem is smooth and has five to nine ribs.  In spring, the cactus produces tubular, yellowish flowers that are very showy.

Following the bloom cycle, it develops spiny fuzzy red fruit with black seeds.