Skip navigation
Go to home page > Species > Candelabra cactus

Candelabra cactus

Volcan Chico, Isabela island, Galapagos
© Henri Leduc

Common name:

Candelabra cactus

Scientific name:

Jasminocereus thouarsii

Spanish name:

Candelabro

Conservation status:

Least Concern

EX EW CR EN VU NT LC

Average size:

Differs between species and varieties

Maximum size:

4 metres

Average weight:

8 metres

Overview

One of Galapagos’ endemic cactus species, the candelabra cactus gets its name from the shape of its ‘arms’ which give it the appearance of a candle holder. Less of a pioneer species than the lava cactus, the candelabra is found in the arid zones of islands where it can survive with very little water. 

Previously thought to have been three separate species, it is now understood that there are three subspecies of candelabra, each of which has a slightly different range and appearance. Fruits vary in colour among subspecies, ranging from red to green to purple, and provide food for many animals including finches and mockingbirds, as well as land iguanas once they have ripened and fallen to the ground. Finches and lava lizards are also known to eat the flowers, which only appear in the early morning.  

When a candelabra cactus dies its ‘skeleton’ sometimes remains intact and becomes a nest for birds and other small animals.

Candelabra cacti in Galapagos

How you can help

Please help us protect the wildlife of Galapagos by donating today.

Read more about candelabra cacti...

11th May 2015
Botany

Discovery Blog: Pioneering Cacti

While many Galapagos species are headline grabbers thanks to their adaptations and uniqueness, there are plenty of lesser heralded species...
Read more

Get the latest news from Galapagos

Join our mailing list to receive our monthly email newsletter, bringing you the latest news on Galapagos and our work to protect the Islands.

Hidden
Share This Page