Myrtillocactus

Myrtillocactus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Echinocereeae
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

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)

Cultivation

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.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Myrtillocactus.
  1. ^ a b c d Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorenz Books. p. 94. ISBN 9780754818427.
  2. ^ Hecht, Hans (1994), Cacti & Succulents, New York: Sterling Publishing, p. 61, ISBN 978-0-8069-0549-5


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