Dagger cactus, Pitayo agrio, Sour pitaya
Stenocereus gummosus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is a bushy plant. There are several stems. They branch from the ground. It is 1-1.5 m high. The stems are grey-green. They are often sprawling and 3-6 cm across. There are 8-9 ribs. There are 3-9 central spines and these are stout flattened and 4 cm long. There are 8-12 spines around these and they are about 1 cm long but unequal in length. The flowers open at night. They have a narrow tube and spread out at the ends. They are pale purple or pink. They are 10-14 cm long. The seeds are 2.5 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit pulp is eaten and made into wine. The seeds are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

It is used as a living fence or hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Pitahaya agria

Synonyms

Cereus gummosus K. Brandegee; Lemaireocereus gummosus (K. Brandegee) Britton & Rose; Machaerocereus gummosus (K. Brandegee) Britton & Rose; Rathbunia gummosa (K. Brandegee) P.V. Heath;