OREOCEREUS CELSIANUS

Oreocereus celsianus is wildly spread in high attitude of Argentina .It occurs naturally in semi-arid Andean region in sceltered sites on rocky, well-drained soils among high mountains, mostly in slopes with orientation to the east and north. It is often the only emerging plants between the low Xerophyte Puna-Vegetation. It flourishes in areas characterized by a cold and dry climate in winter and warm with rare rainfalls in summer.It is believed that the white hairs provide protection from the intense ultraviolet light of the higher altitudes and is also equipped with “antifreeze chemicals” in its sap that make it somewhat frost resistant. The particularly structured flowers are pollinated by the largest of the hummingbirds (Patagona gigas). There are no major threats to this species.