Harrisia balansae

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. The plants can clamber and climb. They are often branched and can be 25 m long. The stems are 5 cm across. They are 3-4 angled with flat sides and acute angles and wavy. There is one central spine which is stout and 25 mm long. Around it there are 4-5 spines that are 4-5 mm long. The flowers are 20-25 cm long. The fruit are rounded and red. They are lumpy and without spines. They are 4-4.5 cm across. They are edible.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cereus balansae K. Schumann; Cereus guelichii Spegazzini; Harrisia guelichii (Spegazzini) Britton & Rose; Eriocerus guelichii (Spegazzini) A. Berger;