Growing between 2 and 3000ft above sea level in the inhospitable arid environment of Argentina, with just adorable Vicunas (a smaller-sweeter-llama-alike) and blazing hot sun for company, the Tephrocactus is an astonishing species that shows an impressive can-do attitude in the extreme desert habitat, with dwarf growth and geophytic habit. Despite the terrain it’s the showiest “opuntia” species and much sought-after by cacti enthusiasts, due to the forever strange geometric plants & fabulous flowers.