Spanish dildo
Cereus hystrix

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

An organ-pipe or tree like cactus. It grows 3-5 m tall. The stems are erect and column shaped and usually unbranched. There are several stems about 12 cm across with 9-12 ridges or grooves along them. There are spreading slender sharp spines. These are in clusters on the ridges and can be 3-4 cm long. The flowers are large and funnel shaped and red/ They are 10-12 cm long and occur singly near the ends of the branches. The petals are spreading and white or pink. The fruit is a round, spiny red berry. It is 3 cm across and juicy and edible.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lemaireocereus hystrix (Haw.) Britton;