Pachycereus marginatus is a tall, columnar cactus that can grow up to 15 meters in its natural habitat, though it typically remains smaller when grown in gardens. Its stems are a rich green, featuring 5 to 7 prominent ribs that are adorned with areoles that have a slight woolly texture and often connect, forming pale lines along the ribs. The areoles produce short spines, and as the plant matures, it generates white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom at night during the spring, followed by round, reddish fruits. Young specimens tend to have a single stem, with branching primarily occurring at the base as they develop.

Pachycereus is a genus of upright, tree-like cacti that thrive in the semi-arid regions of the United States and Mexico. These plants develop branches at the base of their main stems and feature prominent spines. Mature specimens produce tubular flowers during the summer months.

Pachycereus marginatus

Pachycereus militaris

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum

Pachycereus pringlei is a sizable, columnar cactus featuring stems that range from dark blue to green, adorned with spines that transition from reddish-brown to grey as they age. In mature specimens, large, nocturnal flowers develop, measuring approximately 8 cm in diameter, with a bell to funnel shape and outer petals that can be greenish or reddish. The plant produces red, spiny fruits.