Climbing cactus ID?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by mvp2026, Feb 25, 2008.

  1. mvp2026

    mvp2026 Member

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    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Hi,

    I saw a climbing cactus while in Mexico last week that I would like to add to my garden. I was down in Tulum (Yucatan peninsula south of Playa Del Carmen). Any help IDing this cactus would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!
    martin.
     

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  2. lorax

    lorax Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Location:
    Toronto, Ontario
    Looks like a Pitahaya - either Stenocerus gummosa or Hylocerus spp. Tough to know without seeing the fruiting body. As you were in Mexico, I'd venture that it's more likely the Stenocerus.

    You might be interested to know that this plant produces a tasty and edible fruit, called Pitahaya or Pitaya in Latin America, and Dragonfruit in North America. If it's Hylocerus, this should be yellow and sweet; the Stenocerus is smaller and more bitter but thirst-quenching.

    Pitahaya are native to Central and South America; with your zone in Houston you should have no trouble growing them in your garden - just make sure to train them up a tree or trellis, since they're natural climbers.
     
  3. cactologist

    cactologist Member

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    Location:
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    I'd say it is Hylocereus undatus.
     

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