“Cereus” means “torch” or candle. Cacti with “cereus” in its name are columnar, torch looking plants, and are commonly cultivated in cacti gardens. Cereus peruvianus, or apple cactus for example, is a fast growing, tree like cactus that produces edible, apple looking fruits.

Pilosocereus is another cacti garden’s favourite; as they are not only large and columnar but also fluffy (piloso means fluffy in ancient Greek).

Echinocereus on the other hand are usually ornamental, small to medium-sized and clump forming. While “echino” means “spiky” in ancient Greek, most collectors cultivate them for their showy flowers.