Myrtillocactus (from Latin, "blueberry cactus") is a genus of cacti. The genus is found from Mexico to Guatemala.[1] The genus is best known with Myrtillocactus geometrizans.
| 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 | |
The genus Myrtillocereus Fric & Kreuz. (orth. var.) has been brought into synonymy with this genus.
Description edit
The largest plants in this genus can grow as tall as 5 meters.[1] This cactus tends to flower in the summer and creates edible purple berries.[1]
Extant species edit
| 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 edit
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.[1] It is recommended that species should be kept dry and not under 8 °C (46 °F) in winter.[2]
There are many cultivar varieties from monstrose or crested forms.
See also edit
- × Myrtgerocactus - a natural hybrid involving Myrtillocactus cochal
References edit
- ^ a b c d 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
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