Cristate Cacti
May 3, 2005, updated June 18, 2007Cacti can rarely develop very strange, abnormal growth patterns, either monstrose (random, deformed growth) or cristate (crested tip) growth patterns. The photograph below shows a crested Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea).
Next is a crested Chainfruit Cholla (Opuntia fulgida) shown below.
Below is a crested Cane Cholla (Opuntia spinosior) that appears to have normal stems emerging from the abnormal growth.
