Rose-cactus, Wax rose
Pereskia grandifolia

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is an evergreen shrub. It grows 2-5 m tall. The stems are erect or arch over. The trunks are 20 cm across and rough. The leaves vary in size. They can be oval or sword shaped. They are 9-23 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. The leaf stalks are 5-12 mm long. There can be groups of 0-8 spines on the twigs. These are 1-4 cm long. There can be groups of 25-90 spines on the older branches and trunks. These are 2-6.5 cm long. The flowers are in groups of 10-15 on the side and ends of branches. They are pink or purple and 3-5 cm across. The fruit are in clusters and are 5-10 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. They are pear shaped. They are yellow at maturity. They have leaf like bracts attached.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs regular moisture. It needs a coarse, sandy, well-drained soil. It does best in full sun. It grows in coastal locations. It needs several hours of sunshine to flower. It suits plant hardiness zones 9-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America (country/location of origin), Costa Rica, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pacific, SE Asia, South America, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Cactos-rosa, Guamacho, Kaktus mawar Morado, Ora-pros-nobis tree, Perdu oeresia, Phyu-pya-mu-yar, Quiabento, Rosa-madeira, Saboneta

Synonyms

Cactus grandifolius (Haworth) Link; Cactus rosa Vell.; Pereskia ochnocarpa Miq.; Pereskia tampicana F. A. C. Weber; Rhodocactus grandifolius (Haworth) F.M. Knuth; Rhodocactus tampicanus (F.A.C. Weber) Backeb.; Pereskia bleo auct. non DC,;