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 13 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
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 14 °C (57 °F) in winter.
There are many cultivar varieties from monstrose or crested forms.
