- Myrtillocactus geometrizans
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Myrtillocactus geometrizans 
Young cultivated plant Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Core eudicots Order: Caryophyllales Family: Cactaceae Subfamily: Cactoideae Tribe: Pachycereeae Genus: Myrtillocactus Species: M. geometrizans Binomial name Myrtillocactus geometrizans
(Mart.) ConsoleMyrtillocactus geometrizans (Bilberry Cactus, Whortleberry Cactus or Blue Candle) is a species of cactus in the genus Myrtillocactus, native to central and northern Mexico.[1]
Description
Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a large shrubby cactus growing to 4–5 m tall, with candelabra-like branching on mature plants. The individual stems are 6–10 cm diameter, with five (occasionally six) ribs, with areoles spaced 1.5–3 cm apart. The flowers are creamy white, 2–2.5 cm diameter. The fruit is an edible dark purple berry 1–2 cm diameter, superficially resembling Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry or Whortleberry) fruit; both the scientific and English names derive from this resemblance.[2]
It is a popular species in cultivation, where young plants commonly remain unbranched for many years. The fruit is edible, and sold for consumption in Mexico.[2]
The Bilberry Cactus is fast growing, and is often used as grafting stock because of this. With favourable conditions it can reach heights of up to 15 feet[3].
References
- ^ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Myrtillocactus geometrizans
- ^ a b Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
- ^ http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Myrtillocactus_geom.html
Myrtillocactus geometrizans in UNAM Botanical Garden, Mexico City.
Categories:- Myrtillocactus
- Cacti of Mexico
- Flora of Northwestern Mexico
- Flora of Northeastern Mexico
- Garden plants of North America
- Drought-tolerant plants
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