Baboso, Acompes
Pachycereus hollianus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

The genus Pachycereus contains some of the largest growing cacti with species reaching 25m (82ft) in height. Pachycereus hollianus commonly know as Baboso is a shrubby or arborescent, clustering, plant 3 to 5 m high. All Pachycereus species are columnar and feature tree-like or shrubby growth with relatively large branches. It is endemic to the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Puebla. This name, Pachycereus hollianus, is unresolved, but some data suggest that it is synonymous with Lemaireocereus hollianus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose.

Pachycereus hollianus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 4 m (13ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

Tropical deciduous forest and xerophyllous scrub

Origin: Mesoamerica. Native to Mexico, endemic to the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán valley.

Conservation Status: Status: Least Concern

Countries/locations it is found in

Native to Mexico, endemic to the Mexican States of Oaxaca and Puebla

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

None Known. Some species in this genus have edible fruit or seeds but no reference come be found for Pachycereus hollianus

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Carbon Farming Solutions - Agroforestry Services: living fence (Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland). Gardening: Fence, Landscaping, Ornamental. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Climate: subtropical to tropical. Humidity: arid to semi-arid. Grows in dry deciduous forests and arid scrubland, at elevations between 1500 and 1800m (4900 and 5900ft.). It is tolerated in agricultural lands and used as living fences. It thrives in hot, dry climates and may tolerate mild frost once established. Water Requirements: Low. Drought Tolerant. Soil pH requirements: 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7.8 (mildly alkaline). Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: regional crop (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagating it: Seed sown directly and stem cuttings. Allow cut surface to callous over before planting. Plant is viviparous (reproducing from buds which form plantlets while still attached to the parent plant,).

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Spines or sharp edges.

None Know. It can be an aggressive colonizer and tolerates disturbance but is tolerated by people.

Its other names

Local names

Baboso, Acompes

Synonyms

This name is unresolved, but some data suggest that it is synonymous with Lemaireocereus hollianus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose .