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The oldest inhabitant of Varadero


The oldest inhabitant of Varadero: the cactus El Patriarca
The oldest inhabitant of Varadero: the cactus El Patriarca

Photo by Simo Bgr



The oldest inhabitant of Varadero: the cactus El Patriarca



The El Patriarca cactus was probably seen by Christopher Columbus


El Patriarca (the patriarch) is a giant cactus (over 6 meters – 20 feet – tall) of the Dendrocerus Nudiflorus family. It is located in the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, on the eastern tip of the Hicacos Peninsula, next to the Ocean Varadero El Patriarca Hotel. The land where El Patriarca is located can be accessed from the road or from the beach.

This cactus is considered the oldest living being in Cuba and the only witness to the arrival of Christopher Columbus that is still alive today.


Some details


The site is accessible both by road and by beach, but not necessarily easy to find.


Access hours are 9am to 4:30pm daily.


Several people say it's worth it if you're staying at the Ocean El Patriarca Hotel or not far away, but they wouldn't pay for a taxi just to see the cactus.


Should I go see it or not?


To each his own choice! If you want to read comments before making your decision, here is a link that presents some in French:


Scientific data on the species

Order : Caryophyllales Family : Cactaceae – Cactaceae Tribe : Pachycereeae – Hylocereeae Genus : Dendrocereus Species : Dendrocereus nudiflorus


Dendrocereus nudiflorus (Syn. Cereus nudiflorus ) is a shrubby cactus, branched in its upper part, which can reach 10 meters high, native to Cuba. Dendrocereus nudiflorus is found in the northeast of the island of Cuba and in particular Varadero where it grows in dry and stony forests, as well as at their edges. Dendrocereus nudiflorus can live more than 500 years.


Dendrocereus nudiflorus has thick, succulent, 3-5 ribbed stems. Dendrocereus nudiflorus produces white, fragrant, nocturnal, funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by greenish, smooth, cylindrical, pear-shaped fruits.


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