ORGAN PIPE CACTUS 'Blanco' --Stenocereus stellatus--

This moderately-sized, columnar cactus to 4 m tall produces a candelabra-like crown, branching from the base into several slender, ridged, moderately armed, bluish green stems to 10 cm in diameter. The scented flowers open at night and are followed by round, greenish to reddish fruits with edible flesh. Stenocereus stellatus is native to central Mexico where it grows in hot, dry tropical woodlands and thornscrub between 500 and 2100 m. In cultivation it adapts well to dry tropical and warm temperate climates in USDA Zones 9 and above. In Mexico it has a long history of cultivation and is widely grown for its delicious fruits that display a stunning variety of colors. This form produces predominantly white-fleshed fruits.Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageLight shade when youngFrost Tolerance ModerateWater Requirements LowDrought Tolerance YesWind Tolerance HighTolerance of Coastal Conditions YesAppearanceGrowth Rate ModerateGrowth Form Small TreeShrubSucculentOrnamental Value BeautifulUsesProperties EvergreenScentHazards SpinyGardening FenceIndoorLandscapingOrnamentalPottedFood/Medicinal Edible Fruit