Scientific Name
Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & Rose
Synonym(s)
Cereus cochal, Cereus geometrizans var. cochal
Common Name(s)
Cochal, Candelabra Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe Echinocereeae
Genus: Myrtillocactus
Etymology
The specific epithet "cochal" (pronounced "KOH-kal") is a local vernacular name of this species and its edible fruits, which has been adopted into botanical nomenclature. The term is derived from Mexican Spanish, specifically the regional dialect of the Baja California peninsula, where the cactus is endemic.
Origin
Myrtillocactus cochal is native to Mexico. It grows on hillsides along almost the entire length of Baja California.
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, purplish-red, and can reach a diameter of 0.7 inches (1.8 cm).
Graft-chimeras of Myrtillocactus cochal
How to Grow and Care for Myrtillocactus cochal
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 need much 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 medium).
See more at How to Grow and Care for Myrtillocactus.
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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