Matraca, Pitayita, Saramatraca
Peniocereus johnstonii
Family: Cactaceae
What it is like
A cactus. The plant is shrubby or climbs. It has a few branches. It grows 3 m high. The roots are large and fleshy like a tuber. The stems are slender and delicate. They are 1-2 cm across. There are 3-5 ribs with a wavy edge. The spines are dark brown. There are 1-3 central spines and these are 4-8 mm long. There are 8-11 spines around these. The flowers are funnel shaped and open at night. They are white and have a scent. They are 15 cm long. The fruit are oval and 6 cm long. The fruit are edible.
Where it is found
It is a desert plant. It needs well drained soil but little water.
Countries/locations it is found in
Mexico, North America
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit