Pitaya, Pitayo
Stenocereus pruinosus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is treelike with a few branches. It grows 4-5 m high. It has a distinct trunk and dark green stems. These are 8-12 cm across and have 5-8 ribs. These are high and have wavy edges. There are 1-4 central spines and these are 2-3 cm long. There are 5-8 spines around these and they spread out and are 1-2 cm long. The flowers open during the day and night. They are funnel shaped and white. They are 9 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw and used for juice and ice cream.

It is cultivated for its fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is used as a hedge.

Plants fruit after 5-10 years.

Its other names

Local names

Pitayo de Octubre

Synonyms

Echinocactus pruinosus Otto; Cactus pruinosus (Otto) Monville; Cereus pruinosus (Otto) Otto; Lemaireocereus pruinosus (Otto) Britton & Rose; Ritterocereus pruinosus (Otto) Backeberg; Rathbunia pruinosa (Otto) P.V. Heath;