The Mexican Fence Post is a columnar cactus, growing stems that will produce between 5-7 ribs. Creating a large bundle of branches, each can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. In the Spring, the cactus sprouts pink and green flowers, which produce spiny edible red fruits. These fruits are often harvested to make jams and jellies or scattered on the ground to start a new round of cactus seedlings.