Stenocereus griseus
| Stenocereus griseus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Stem and fruit of Stenocereus griseus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | S. griseus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Stenocereus griseus | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Stenocereus griseus, also known as the Mexican organ pipe, dagger cactus, pitaya, and pitayo de mayo, is a species of cactus.[2]
Description
This tree-like cactus can grow up to 9 m tall, with stems up to 12 cm in diameter.[1]
Distribution
This species is found in Mexico in Oaxaca and Veracruz,[1] coastal Venezuela, Guajira Peninsula of Colombia and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean.[3] It is found in scrub-lands.[4] Observations of this species have also been reported in the dry scrub-lands at the base of the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. However it has not been collected in this region[5]
Ecology
In the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, this cactus blooms and fruits profusely during the dry season. It is a critical resource for bats, birds and other animals.[4]
Human Uses
Its fruit is edible to humans and is considered good tasting. It is planted as an ornamental and as a living fence in warm regions.[4][6] When used as a fence, it can be impervious to animals due to its spiny nature.[6]
CITES Status
The species is found in CITES Appendix II as a species of Least Concern. Its population is considered stable.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Pitayo de Mayo (Stenocereus griseus)
- ^ candle cactus, Stenocereus griseus (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae)
- ^ Stenocereus griseus On-line Guide to the positive identification of Members of the Cactus Family
- ^ a b c d "Stenocereus griseus (Haw.) Buxb. - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
- ^ "Neotropical Plant Portal - Stenocereus griseus". serv.biokic.asu.edu. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
- ^ a b "Stenocereus griseus - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
 | This Cactaceae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |