-Plants (Kingdom Plantae)

-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)

-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)

-Dicots (Class Magnoliopsida)

-Pinks, Cactuses, and Allies (Order Caryophyllales)

-Cactus Family (Family Cactaceae)

-Globular Cacti, Moonlight Cacti, Torch Cacti, and Allies (Subfamily Cactoideae)

-Moonlight Cacti (Tribe Hylocereeae)

-Genus Acanthocereus

Acanthocereus tetragonus is a species of cactus native to Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. It grows in rocky, arid, and desert habitats at elevations of up to 2,000 feet. Its stems grow up to two meters tall, and are covered with spines. It can be identified by its upright, cylindrical stems and its white, fragrant flowers. Its tall, spiny growth helps protect it from grazing animals and the elements.