Cardon, Toothpick cactus, Tuna, Branch candlestick cactus
Stetsonia coryne

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is a large plant like a tree. It grows 5-8 m tall. It has thick trunks with many erect or arching branches. The stems are blue-green and ribbed. They are 9-10 cm across. There are 8-9 ribs. The spines are yellow and turn black. They are stiff, and straight. There is one central spine 5 cm long. There are 7-9 spines around it that are 3 cm long. The flowers open at night. They are funnel shaped and white. They are 15 cm long. The fruit are oval and green to red. They are covered with scales.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows in high arid regions in Argentina. In Argentina it grows between 200-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The rind has a tangy lemon flavour and is edible. The fruit can be eaten cooked. They are eaten as a vegetable or as a seasoning for fish. The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Caracore, Cardon, Istak, Pang, Taringi

Synonyms

Cereus coryne Salm-Dyck; Cereus chacoanus Vaupel;