Myrtillocactus

Myrtillocactus (from Latin, "blueberry cactus") is a genus of cacti. The genus is found from Mexico to Guatemala.[1] The genus is best known with Myrtillocactus geometrizans.

Myrtillocactus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Tribe:	Pachycereeae
Genus:	Myrtillocactus Console
Species
Myrtillocactus cochal Myrtillocactus geometrizans - whortleberry cactus etc.

The genus Myrtillocereus Fric & Kreuz. (orth. var.) has been brought into synonymy with this genus.

Description

The largest plants in this genus can grow as tall as 5 meters.[1] This cactus tends to flower in the summer and creates edible purple berries.[1]

Extant Species

Image	Scientific name	Common Name	Distribution
	Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & Rose	Cochal, Candelabra Cactus	Baja California peninsula of Mexico.
	Myrtillocactus eichlamii Britton & Rose		Guatemala
	Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console	bilberry cactus, whortleberry cactus or blue candle	central and northern Mexico
	Myrtillocactus schenckii (J.A.Purpus) Britton & Rose	Garambullo, Vichishovo	Guatemala; Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla)

Cultivation

The cuttings, which will grow quickly, from this cactus need to be taken when the temperature is high enough or the cuttings will not root.[1] It is recommended that species should be kept dry and not under 8 °C (46 °F) in winter.[2]

See also

• Myrtgerocactus - a natural hybrid involving Myrtillocactus cochal

References

1. Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorenz Books. p. 94. ISBN 9780754818427.
2. Hecht, Hans (1994), Cacti & Succulents, New York: Sterling Publishing, p. 61, ISBN 978-0-8069-0549-5