This desirable species was described in this Journal in 1952, yet it is surprising that it is not more common in cultivation. It may, however, be seen under the synonym C. wendlandiorum published by Backeberg in the German journal, Kakteen und Anderen Sukkulenten, in 1955. The epithet honoring Miss Winifred Brooke, who first collected the species in 1949, has priority over that honoring Mr. Wendland and his uncle who acquainted Backeberg with this species. Its slender stems, to 4.5 cm diameter and up to half a meter tall, are clothed in soft, pale spines that may inspire one to ask “Have you petted your cactus today?” and to practice what one preaches. The flowers are distinctive for their vivid coloration and gracefully curved tubular shape, tapered toward the oblique mouth requiring some contortions from hummingbird pollinators. Rooted cuts of HBG 134247, ex Uhlig’s nursery in Germany. $10.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 90 (2), Summer 2018