Blueberry cactus, Bilberry cactus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A tree like cactus. It grows 4 m high. It has a central stem branching just above the ground. The shoots have a deep blue bloom. There are 5 or 6 smooth and rounded ribs. The spine spots are large. The spines are few and short. These radiate and are 5 mm long. In the centre of these there is on larger spine 2.5-5 cm long. The flowers are small and white. They are 3.5 cm across. The berries are purple. They are 1.5 cm across. They are edible.

There are about 3-4 Myrtillocactus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on calcareous soils. It needs bright sunshine. It needs well-drained soil. It can tolerate drought. It needs a temperature above 10°C. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Queen Sirikit BG. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Central America, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, SE Asia, Slovenia, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried. They are like blueberries fresh and like raisins when dried. The flowers are eaten raw in salads or cooked with eggs.

The fruit are sold in markets in Mexico. It is a cultivated food plant. 8 tons are harvested in Tehuacan Valley, Mexico.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Plants are grown from cuttings. These should be taken when night temperatures are high or plants will not root. It can be grown as a hedge.

Plants grow quickly. They take 5-10 years before harvesting.

Its other names

Local names

Garambullo, Garambuyo, Bilberry cactus, Blue flame, Our Father, Padre nuestro, Whortleberry cactus

Synonyms

Cereus geometrizans Mart.; Cereus pugioniferus Lemaire; Myrtillocactus pugionifer (Lemaire) A. Berger Myrtillocactus grandiareolatus Bravo;