Blue Candle, Whortleberry Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

Blue Candle, Whortleberry Cactus
Scientific Name: Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart.) Console
Synonym: Cereus geometrizans, Myrtillocactus grandiareolatus, Myrtillocactus geometrizans var. pugionifera, Myrtillocactus pugionifer, Cereus pugioniferus
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 9b-11

Frost Tolerance: Semi hardy, damaged at 25°F (-4°C)
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Northern central Mexico down to Oaxaca
Growth Habits: Candelabra like tree to fifteen feet tall (4.5 m), stems 3 to 4 inches thick (7-10 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular water
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in summer

There are forests of Whortleberry cactus in some areas of the Chihuahuan desert.

Blue Candle, Whortleberry Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

Blooming Habits:
The Blue candle starts blooming when it is 2 feet tall (60 cm). It has one inch in diameter whitish flowers in March, that turn in very sweet, edible, dark red, 1/3 inch in diameter (8 mm) fruits.

Propagation:
Cuttings will root only in hot weather.

References:
Dry Climate Gardening With Succulents : The Huntington Botanical Gardens

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