Junco Espinoso, Reina de la Noche
Synonym: Cactus serpentinus, Nyctocereus serpentinus, Echinocereus serpentinus, Cereus serpentinus, Cactus ambiguus, Cereus ambiguus, Nyctocereus castellanosii, Cereus splendens
Family: Cactaceae
 Show Larger Picture The fruit, as Nyctocereus serpentinus, in Britton and Rose's The Cactaceae |
Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9-11 Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Very heat resistant in Phoenix in summer Sun Exposure: Bright shade to partial sun Origin: Tropical areas of southern Mexico (México, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca), but now largely spread around Mexico Growth Habits: Grows often in groups, erect stems sometimes climbing, up to 20 feet (6 m), 0.8 to 2 inches in diameter (2-5 cm); large roots; 10-17 obtuse ribs; areoles with white wool; 9 to 14 needle-like spines, reddish when young, with darker tips, up to 1.2 in. long (3 cm). Watering Needs: Little water, needs good drainage Propagation: Seeds, cuttings |
Blooming Habits:
Nocturnal white flowers with pinkish outside segments, 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 cm). The red egg-shaped fruit is edible, 1.6 to 2.4 inches long (4-6 cm), with spines that fall when it is ripe. The black seeds are 0.2 in. long (5 mm).
References:
Las Cactaceas de Mexico
Gardening in Arizona Home Page |
List of All the Plants |
More in the Cactaceae family © 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved. |