Scientific Name
Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Cochal, Candelabra Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cereus cochal, Cereus geometrizans var. cochal, Myrtillocactus geometrizans var. cochal
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe Echinocereeae
Genus: Myrtillocactus
Description
Myrtillocactus cochal is a large sprawling shrub or tree-like cactus with a short woody trunk and many bluish-green, branched stems. It can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall and wide. The branches have 6 to 8 ribs separated by shallow intervals. They are nearly uniform, grow erect or curved inward, and can reach a diameter of 3.8 inches (9 cm). The spines are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. Each areole bears one central and five shorter radial spines.
The pale green, funnel-shaped flowers appear at the areoles mainly from late spring to early summer. They open during the day and remain open at night. The edible fruits are spherical, red-purplish, and up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in diameter.
Origin
This species is native to Mexico. It grows on hillsides along almost the entire length of Baja California.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
They are semi-hardy, so ensure your Myrtillocactus are not exposed to temperatures below 25 °F (-4 °C), or they may die. Nevertheless, it is good advice never to let the nighttime temperatures fall below 50 °F (10 °C). In the summer, place Myrtillocactus in the sunshine (indoors or outdoors). In the winter, find a cooler, light spot. That will allow it to go into next spring well-rested, making it more likely to flower. This easy-care plant doesn't want a lot of water. Allow the soil to dry out before you give it another drink. Keep the soil completely dry in winter. Treat it to special cactus food monthly in the spring and summer.
If the plant needs repotting, use fairly impoverished soil specially designed for cacti. By seed or cutting (allow the cut surface to dry out for 2-3 weeks before placing in an open rooting media).
See more at How to Grow and Care for Myrtillocactus.
Graft-chimeras
Links
- Back to genus Myrtillocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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