Myrtillocactus | |
---|---|
Myrtillocactus geometrizans | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Cactaceae |
Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
Tribe: | Echinocereeae |
Genus: |
Myrtillocactus Console |
Species | |
Myrtillocactus cochal |
Myrtillocactus (from Latin, "blueberry cactus") is a genus of cacti. The genus is found from Mexico to Guatemala. [1] The genus is best known with Myrtillocactus geometrizans.
The genus Myrtillocereus Fric & Kreuz. (orth. var.) has been brought into synonymy with this genus.
The largest plants in this genus can grow as tall as 5 meters. [1] This cactus tends to flower in the summer and creates edible purple berries. [1]
Image | Scientific name | Common name | Distribution |
---|---|---|---|
Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & Rose | Cochal, Candelabra Cactus | Baja California peninsula of Mexico. | |
Myrtillocactus eichlamii Britton & Rose | Guatemala | ||
Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console | bilberry cactus, whortleberry cactus or blue candle | central and northern Mexico | |
Myrtillocactus schenckii (J.A.Purpus) Britton & Rose | Garambullo, Vichishovo | Guatemala; Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla) |
The cuttings, which will grow quickly, from this cactus need to be taken when the temperature is high enough or the cuttings will not root. [1] It is recommended that species should be kept dry and not under 8 °C (46 °F) in winter. [2]
There are many cultivar varieties from monstrose or crested forms.