Guayapa, Sacharosa, Cuguchi
Pereskia sacharosa

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A fast-growing tree-like or shrubby plant, growing between 2-7 m tall but generally up to 4 m in height. Unlike other members of the cactus family, this beauty is the only cactus genus that has persistent non-succulent leaves.

Pereskia sacharosa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

This species occurs in sotobosque, forest edges, and clearings. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.

Native to Brazil, Paraguay and lowland of the Andes in northwestern Uruguay region. It widely cultivated elsewhere around the world.

Conservation Status: Status: Least Concern

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, South America. Native to Brazil, Paraguay and lowland of the Andes in northwestern Uruguay region. In Argentina, in Chaco, Formosa, Jujuy and Salta; in Bolivia, in Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Tarija; Paraguay and in Brazil in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. It occurs at elevations of up to 1,500 m. It widely cultivated elsewhere around the world.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Edible Portion: Leaves. Leaves can be consumed raw as a side dish of salad. Also, can be made into a concoction brewed from fresh leaves and drink as tea.

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). Ornamental. Pot. Flowering hedge. Its highly ornamental in a flower bed or borders.

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

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

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.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

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: tropical. Humidity: arid to semi-arid. Light: Full sun for optimum growth and flowering. Partial shade OK. Moisture: Moderate water requirements. It is drought resistant but leaves drop in dry conditions. Prefers humus-enriched, loamy and well-drained soils. Soil pH requirements: 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7.8 (mildly alkaline). It tolerates acidic soil. USDA Hardiness Zone 9-11. Recommended minimum winter temperature of 10°C. Plants kept perfectly dry can survive low temps of approximately -3°C. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: regional crop. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagating it: By seeds and stem cuttings. The cuttings should be planted immediately without a dry out period.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Spines or sharp edges.

Its other names

Local names

Needle Seven Blade, Seven Star Needle, Rose Cactus, Tree Cancer, Jarum Tujuh Bilah, Pereskia, Sacharosa, Cuguchi, Guyapa, Poxkitak, Sacha rosa

Synonyms

Pereskia moorei Britton & Rose; Pereskia saipinensis Cardenas; Pereskia sparsiflora F. Ritter; Rhodocactus sacharosa (Griseb.) Backeb.; Rhodocactus saipinensis (Cardenas) Backeb.