The Weberbauerocereus genus, which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is named in honour of August Weberbauer – a researcher in the Peruvian Andes. Like many of the large columnar or tree-like cacti, the genus Weberbauerocereus is seldom cultivated and has seen little attention from researchers. As a result the future use of the name may be changed. Weberbauerocereus is a genus of ceroid cactus, considered to be intermediate between the genera Echinopsis and Cleistocactus. Native to Peru and northern Chile, the plants have fairly large, columnar stems that are either shrubby or may contain a distinct trunk. Stems have numerous shallow ribs that are somewhat tuberculate with prominent woolly areoles. Spines are numerous and stout. Flowers are funnel-shaped and white or reddish. Floral tubes with scales and hairs. Weberbauerocereus johnsonii is a beautiful cactus. Few cacti have such persistently brilliant yellow spines, especially magnificent when backlit, as does this columnar beauty discovered in 1951 by famous nurseryman Harry Johnson on his second South American expedition. The plant eventually grows to tree-size proportions but even solitary stems, 7-9 cm in diameter, are worth cultivating for the colourful spines which can be either long or short. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden structural height or as potted plants on a sunny patio. Either way you are assured of many years of joy.