Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
CEREUS hildmannianus ssp. uruguayanus
Plant Common Name
Night-blooming Cactus, Peruvian Apple Cactus
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
The Peruvian apple cactus is a widely adapted, tree-like cactus that produces beautiful, edible fruit. It is native to central South America but its exact area of origin is debated because it was cultivated and distributed by indigenous peoples early on.
This is a highly variable species, which may bear large spines or almost none along its eight vertical ribs. There are no leaves, but the green stems photosynthesize sunlight. Its large, green and white flowers are tubular, many petaled and night blooming, though they will remain open up until the early morning hours. This is the reason the plant is also called queen-of-the-night. They are fragrant and may be pollinated by bees and moths. They give way to bright magenta, smooth-skinned fruits packed with sweet white flesh and tiny black, crunchy seeds. The fruit is a culinary delicacy said to taste like watermelon (if you can get to it before the birds and bats do).
This is a plant for hot, dry conditions but performs better if some irrigation occurs in the heat of summer. In winter keep the soil very dry. Its tall, multiple-branching form and fast growth have made it a popular hedge plant for arid gardens. It needs protection from direct afternoon sun in the low desert, but its fruit grow sweetest in extreme heat. Prune occasionally at the natural joints to keep branches strong, and plant the pruned branches in sand to allow them to root into new plants. Do not plant outdoors in regions that receive hard frosts and freezes each winter. Use it as a vertical accent in a rock or xeriscape garden, or as a rowed thicket as a hedge. When small, grow it as a containerized houseplant.
This species is considered invasive in Hawaii, as birds disperse seeds across the landscape.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Sunset Zone
16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m (20)
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Width
3'-7' / 0.9m - 2.1m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
South America, Argentina, Brazil
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Double
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
