Flowering Hedge Cactus, Cereus hildmannianus
This lovely cactus flower was photographed in early morning light when out walking in Adyar Theosophical Gardens. This is a tall columnar cactus (up to 10 metres height) branching from the base, native to South America. Stems have 5 to 8 ribs. The cactus blooms at night and its large (12 to 15 cm diameter) showy flowers, closes up swiftly once the sun rises. The flower is typical of the Cactaceae family.
Several tall specimens can be spotted in IIT Madras campus also.
Nature Rambles Book 