Hairbrush cactus
Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A branched cactus. It forms columns and is deep-green. It grows about 8 m high and 30 cm across. There are 10-12 rounded ribs. The spine spots are large and grey white. They are close together and have 8-9 brown spines which radiate. There are one or two spines in the centre. The flowers are about 8.5 cm long. They are white but reddish on the outside. The fruit are dry and 6-7.5 cm across. They are covered with yellow wool and bristles.

There are 9 Pachycereus species. They occur naturally in Mexico.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It needs full sun. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

The seeds are ground into a meal and used for making cakes. The fruit are also eaten. They can also be used for jam.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aborigine's comb, Cardon barbon, Cardon hecho hecho, Chik, Echo, Etcho, Gosto-trnastoplodni debeli steber, Hecho, Indian's comb

Synonyms

Cereus pecten-aboriginum Engel.; Pachycereus tehuantepecanus T. MacDougall & Bravo; Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum subsp. tehuantepecanus (T. MacDougall & Bravo) P.V. Heath;