Etymology - Named by Britton and Rose after Francis Lynde Stetson, a New York lawyer and gardener.
There is but a single species in the genus Stetsonia and it is a large tree-like cactus with often forms a well-defined trunk and numerous branches. It is one of the most widely cultivated of all large, columnar cacti. Second perhaps to the enigmatic Cereus peruvianus. However, unlike the latter, Stetsonia is often sold at box stores while still small plants and are grown in pots rather than in landscapes. As a result, it is rare for cultivated plants to get the chance to bloom in these conditions. However, they do produce extremely long spines which certainly lends to its popularity along with the common name of "Toothpick Cactus".
Stems have many shallow ribs, with needle-lick spines, branching with age and size, but sometimes branching early on. Flowers are while funnel-shaped opening at night and remaining open into the day. This genus is found widespread in southern South America.