Cereus

Cereus, a large genus of Cactaceae having numerous stamens united at the base and nearly as long as the petals, and a slender style but little longer. Among the best-known species are C. giganteus, of the deserts of New Mexico, and C. grandiflorus, of the West Indies. The former grows fifty or sixty feet in height, with an erect cylindric fluted stem, unbranched, or with branches turning upwards parallel with the main stem. The spines rise in tufts on cushions along the ribs or flutings. C. grandiflorus, and other species with pale flowers, blossom at night, giving off a vanilla-like perfume intermittently.