PlantFiles: Agave Cactus, Prism Cactus, Cob Cactus
Leuchtenbergia principis

All monotypic (single species) genera are exciting in that they represent plants that are so unique and unusual they cannot be classified otherwise. Leuchtenbergia is no exception. With its sharply angled and extremely long tubercules tipped with harmless papery spines, it is hard to beleive this is actually a cactus and not some sort of Agave.

It is equally unique when a monotypic genus produces hybrids with another genus that is seemingly unrelated. This plant can apparently hybridize with Ferocactus producing something called a Ferobergia. Now there's an "Odd Couple". Kind of like crossing a pineapple with an artichoke :-)

A true cactus that bears a remarkable resemblance to and agave or aloe,this strange-looking plant is sole representative of its group.Unlike agaves or aloes,the long tubercles are part of the stem,not leaves.

Very slow growing plant that initially doesn't look like a cactus- has no dangerous spines, just whispy dead looking grass like projections from ends of very long blue-green tubercles. Does have a bit of a resemblence to an agave. Often used in pots (so slow growing, many growers don't want all those years of growing to be subjected to the elements, so will care for them better in a pot)... can stay in same pot for many many years. Eventually starts to develop a caudiciform-like, fat, woody stem. Old plants not terribly ornamental, but stil pricey. Tend to look a LOT better in cultivation than in habitat