Myrtillocactus

Myrtillocactus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Myrtillocactus
Console
Species

Myrtillocactus cochal
Myrtillocactus geometrizans - whortleberry cactus
etc.

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.

Description

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]

Extant Species

ImageScientific nameCommon NameDistribution
Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & RoseCochal, Candelabra CactusBaja California peninsula of Mexico.
Myrtillocactus eichlamii Britton & RoseGuatemala
Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Consolebilberry cactus, whortleberry cactus or blue candlecentral and northern Mexico
Myrtillocactus schenckii (J.A.Purpus) Britton & RoseGarambullo, VichishovoGuatemala; Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla)

Cultivation

The cuttings, which will grow quickly, from this cactus must be taken when the temperature is high enough or the cuttings won't root.[1] Myrtillocactus tolerates only warm temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit).[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorenz Books. p. 94. ISBN 9780754818427.
  2. ↑ Hewitt, Terry (2013). Cacti. London: Anness Publishing Limited. p. 61. ISBN 9781780192840.

See also


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