Cleistocactus hildegardiae

Cleistocactus hildegardiae is a species of columnar cacti in the genus Cleistocactus.

Description
Cleistocactus hildegardiae grows as a shrub with often richly branched, spreading shoots that reach heights of 20 to 50 centimeters with diameters of 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters. There are 15 to 19 low, wavy ribs. The areoles on it are close together. The thorns are needle-like and straight. The 5 to 8 central spines are golden yellow to reddish brown and 1 to 3 centimeters long. The 18 to 28 light yellow marginal spines are 3 to 8 millimeters long.

The ruby red flowers are 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters long. The spherical, dark green fruits later turn orange and reach a diameter of up to 1 centimeter.

Distribution
Cleistocactus hildegardiae is widespread in Bolivia in the Tarija Department in the Eustaquio Méndez Province.

Taxonomy
The first description was made in 1980 by Friedrich Ritter. The specific epithet hildegardiae honors the nursery owner Hildegard Winter (1893–1975), Friedrich Ritter's sister.