Honey cactus, Jamacaru
Cereus jamacaru

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A columnar cactus. It grows 4-12 m tall. The trunk is short. The stems have 8 wings. There are spines in groups along these. The groups are 2-4 cm apart and there are 1-4 central spines and 7-12 spines around these. The flowers occur singly and open at night. The fruit are large and bright red. The pulp is white.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in east and northeast Brazil. It grows in semi-arid regions and savannah. It is best in light, sandy well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, Brazil (country/location of origin), Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Eswatini, Mexico, North Africa, North America, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw. The stems can be used as a vegetable.

The fruit are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit, stems

How it is grown

It is grown by cuttings. It can also be grown from seed. The seeds are separated from ripe fruit by washing. They need to be planted fresh. Seeds germinate in 40-60 days. It can be used as a hedge.

It grows quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Cacto-cardero, Cardeiro, Cayuco, Cumbeba, Kaktus mandacaru, Mandacaru cereus, Swamp oak cactus

Synonyms

Piptanthocereus goiasensis Ritter; Cereus goiasensi (Ritter) P. . Braun; Cereus jamacaru subsp. goiasensis (Ritter) P.J. Braun & E. Pereira;