| 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. 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. This cactus tends to flower in the summer and creates edible purple berries.
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 |
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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. It is recommended that species should be kept dry and not under 8 °C (46 °F) in winter.
There are many cultivar varieties from monstrose or crested forms.
See also
- × Myrtgerocactus - a natural hybrid involving Myrtillocactus cochal
References
- ^ Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorenz Books. p. 94. ISBN 9780754818427.
- Hecht, Hans (1994), Cacti & Succulents, New York: Sterling Publishing, p. 61, ISBN 978-0-8069-0549-5
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Myrtillocactus |
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