Xerophyte

Description

The classical Myrtillocactus geometrizansSN|8050]]SN|8050]] ( a.k.a. “Blue Candle Cactus”) is a highly branched columnar candelabra like tree cactu swith very characteristic waxy blue stems growing closely together. In nature grows up to 4.5 m tall, with the crown reaching up to 5 m in width.

Flowers

Rather smaller (2.5-3.7 cm) in relation to stem, greenish white.

Blooming Season

March. Starts blooming when it is about 60 cm tall.

Spines

Each areole may have up to 5-9 spines, but generally they have 3-5 spines about 5-12 mm long but not awful.

Stem

Glaucous (blue grey) with sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow. Up to 4-8 cm thick. They have 5-8 ribs with areoles about 2.5 cm apart.

Variegated Form

The variegated cultivars Myrtillocactus geometrizansSN|8050]]SN|8050]] f. variegatus has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow. A very few variegated plants sprout unpredictably time by time among normal green seedling and are very rare. Plants with variegated stems are often attractive and highly prized. It seems to be a pretty variable plant with several and variously coloured clones.

Fruits

Very sweet, edible, dark red, oblong fruits 8-20 mm in diameter.