Austrocylindropuntia shaferi

Austrocylindropuntia shaferi is a small species of cactus with an upright gworth, reaching 30 cm or more in height. The stems are slightly divided into sections or segments, which vary from cylindrical to slightly bulging in shape. They are green in color, and each measures approximately 15 cm in length and 3 cm in diameter. The stems exhibit a series of tubercles, upon which are situated small, tightly-spaced areoles with 15 narrow, needle-shaped spines each. These spines are weak, and measure up to 5 cm in length. Sometimes, trichomes or bristles also form on the areoles. Rudimentary leaves measuring up to 0.6 cm in length are present.

The flowers are bright red in color and measure 3 cm in length. The pericarpel, which is pear-shaped, is covered in trichomes and does not have spines. The fruits are spherical in shape and bright red in color; they are covered in glochids and trichomes. They can grow to 1.5 cm in length.

This species is found from western Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. It grows primarily in desert and dry shrubland biomes, at altitudes between 2500 and 3500 meters above sea level. It has been introduced to the Canary Islands and Morocco.

This species is cultivated primarily as an ornamental. It may be propagated vegetatively via cuttings, or via seed.

Austrocylindropuntia: the genus name is derived from the Latin terms auster, -tralis; (meaning "southern"), the Greek term κύλινδρος (kýlindros); (meaning "cylinder"), and the genus Opuntia, (or, as a combination of the latter two terms, the genus Cylindropuntia); this references the cylindrical shape of the stems that appear similar to the genera Opuntia and Cylindropuntia. shaferi: the specific epithet honors the American botanist John Adolph Shafer (1863–1918).