Stenocereus griseus

Stenocereus griseus, also known as the Mexican organ pipe, dagger cactus, pitaya, and pitayo de mayo, is a species of cactus.[2]

Stenocereus griseus
Stem and fruit of Stenocereus griseus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Core eudicots
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Cactaceae
Genus:
Stenocereus
Species:
S. griseus
Binomial name
Stenocereus griseus
Synonyms [1]
  • Stenocereus eburneus
  • Lemaireocereus eburneus
  • Ritterocereus deficiens
  • Lemaireocereus deficiens
  • Cereus deficiens
  • Stenocereus victoriensis
  • Neolemaireocereus griseus
  • Ritterocereus griseus
  • Cereus griseus
  • Lemaireocereus griseus
  • Cereus eburneus

Description
Habitus

This tree-like cactus can grow up to 9 m tall, with stems up to 12 cm in diameter.[1]

Distribution

This species is found in Mexico in Oaxaca and Veracruz,[1] coastal Venezuela, Guajira Peninsula of Colombia and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean.[3] It is found in scrub-lands.[4] Observations of this species have also been reported in the dry scrub-lands at the base of the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. However it has not been collected in this region[5]

Ecology

In the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, this cactus blooms and fruits profusely during the dry season. It is a critical resource for bats, birds and other animals.[4]

Human Uses

Its fruit is edible to humans and is considered good tasting. It is planted as an ornamental and as a living fence in warm regions.[4][6] When used as a fence, it can be impervious to animals due to its spiny nature.[6]

CITES Status

The species is found in CITES Appendix II as a species of Least Concern. Its population is considered stable.[4]

References
  1. Pitayo de Mayo (Stenocereus griseus)
  2. candle cactus, Stenocereus griseus (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae)
  3. Stenocereus griseus On-line Guide to the positive identification of Members of the Cactus Family
  4. "Stenocereus griseus (Haw.) Buxb. - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
  5. "Neotropical Plant Portal - Stenocereus griseus". serv.biokic.asu.edu. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
  6. "Stenocereus griseus - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2019-07-25.


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