Pitayo of Queretaro
Stenocereus queretaroensis

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is a treelike plant. It grows 5-6 m high. It has candle like branches. There is a distinct trunk. The stems are green or reddish and 15 cm across. There are 6-8 ribs. There are 1-4 central spines that are unequal with the lower ones longer. They can be 4 cm long. There are 5-9 spines around these and they are white and 1-2 cm long. The flowers are near the top of the stems but at the side. The flowers are open day or night and funnel shaped. They are white and have a scent. The ripe fruit are red. The flesh is red or purple. They are 8 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is cultivated in Jalisco, Michoacan and Queretaro in Mexico.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America

How it is used for food

The fruit are enjoyed. It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is grown from send stem segments.

Flowering and fruit can start after one year but 10 years are needed for good food production.

Its other names

Local names

Pitayo dulce, Pitahaya

Synonyms

Cereus queretaroensis F. A. C. Weber; Pachycereus queretaroensis (Weber) Britton & Rose; Lemaireocereus queretaroensis (Weber) Safford; Ritterocereus queretaroensis (Weber) Backeberg; Rathbunia queretaroensis (Weber) P.V. Heath;