Fragrant prickly apple
Harrisia eriophora

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is a shrubby plant. It forms dense clumps. The stems are erect, arching or clambering. They can be 3-5 m high. The stems are bright green when young and become darker green with age. They are 4 cm across. There are 8-12 ribs and these have deep depressions between them. There are 6-13 spines that are light brown or yellow but become darker near the tip. They are like needles and 2-4 cm long. The flowers are 12-18 cm long with long tubes. The fruit are oval and yellow to dull red. They are 6 cm across. They are edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Cuba, North America, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Pitaya

Synonyms

Cereus eriophorus Pfeiffer;