Cochal
Myrtillocactus cochal

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A tree like cactus. It has dense branches. The trunk is usually short. The plant grows 1-3 m high. The stems are blue-green with 5 to 6 ribs. They may or may not have a central spine. There are 5-6 black spines in a ring. The flowers are pale green to white. They open during the day and night. They are 2.5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The fruit are round and red. They are 1.2-1.8 cm across. They are edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America

How it is used for food

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cochol

Synonyms

Cereus cochal Orcutt; Cereus geometrizans var. cochal (Orcutt) K. Brandegee;