Browningia is a genus of cacti, comprising 11 accepted and 3 unresolved species. It is named for Webster E Browning (1869-1942), director of the Instituto Inglés, Santiago, Chile.
Description
Browningia candelaris (Candelabra cactus), Chile
The bushy or tree-like, usually columnar species of the genus Browningia are branched, often have a well-developed trunk and reach heights of growth of up to 10 meters. The cylindrical shoots have a diameter of up to 50 centimeters. Large areoles sit on the numerous, low ribs. Areoles in the growth area are heavily spined, while areoles in the reproductive area usually have few or no spines.
The tubular to bell-shaped flowers are white to purple and open at night. The areoles of the flower cup and the flower tube are (almost) bare. The flower tube is slightly curved.
The usually small fruits are very different, as are the seeds.
Species
Species of the genus Browningia according to Plants of the World Online as of March 2025:
Image
Scientific name
Distribution
Browningia altissima (F.Ritter) Buxb.
N. Peru
Browningia amstutziae (Rauh & Backeb.) Hutchison ex Krainz
Peru
Browningia candelaris (Meyen) Britton & Rose
northern Chile and southern Peru
Browningia chlorocarpa (Kunth) W.T.Marshall
Peru.
Browningia columnaris F.Ritter
Peru.
Browningia hernandezii Fern.Alonso
Colombia (Boyacá)
Browningia hertlingiana (Backeb.) Buxb.
Peru.
Browningia macracantha (F.Ritter) Wittner
N. Peru.
Browningia microsperma (Werderm. & Backeb.) W.T.Marshall
Peru.
Browningia pilleifera (F.Ritter) Hutchison
N. Peru.
Browningia utcubambensis Hutchison ex Wittner
N. Peru.
