18 THE FANTASTIC CLAN 



shrubs, or climbers, and grow erect or spread out, the tallest 

 and largest trees or plants of the cactus family. They are 

 the "torch flower" cacti, are tropical or subtropical, the 

 stems growing single or clustered, with prominent ridges or 

 flutes which in many Instances expand or contract as the plant 

 fills with water or loses its moisture. The tubercles are not 

 conspicuous and grow in rows on the ridges. There are no 

 leaves nor spicules. The spines are of one or two kinds, 

 sharp and dangerous in some species. Inconspicuous In others, 

 growing from one-fourth inch to twelve inches In length. 

 The flowers are funnel-form, of brilliant or delicate color- 

 ings, large and showy, and unlike many cactus blossoms are 

 fragrant, often with a pronounced spicy odor. In some In- 

 stances they crown the candelabralike branches In a becom- 

 ing aureola of light, giving the effect of a lighted candela- 

 brum; hence the designation "torch flower" cacti. Most 

 species bloom only at night. As a rule the calyx tube is found 

 to be very long. The fruit Is usually quite large, has shallow 

 tubercles, and is covered with many scales, but is rarely 

 spiny. 



How to grow 



Only a few of the different kinds of the Cereus Group 

 grow well from cuttings, including Cereus serpentinus. Set 

 the cuttings of such plants as this Serpent Cactus a few inches 

 deep in moist sandy soil and irrigate sufficiently to keep the 

 soil moist. The cuttings grow best In part shade. Cereus 

 plants grow readily from seeds sown in sandy loam mixed 

 with a small amount of pulverized charcoal and some leaf 

 mold ; plant In pots or flats one-fourth inch to one inch deep in 

 the soil In partial shade, and keep the soil moist. The young 

 plants can be transplanted to pots when one-half inch to one 

 inch tall. They grow indoors or out; a southern exposure is 

 preferable, being warmer and more sunny. 



