Botanical Name: Cereus peruvianus
Common Name: Peruvian apple Type of Plant: dicot: succulent Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape an upright, clumping form of columnar-stemmed cactus – young plants are usually single-trunked; will develop fleshy blue-green distinctly ribbed upright branches; plants are leafless, with short spines along the ribs Height 10'- 15' (30') Spread 2/3 to equal Growth Rate slow Environment: Exposure outdoors thrives in warm sunny habitats – avoid heavy shade, especially at inland sites Soil requires well-drained sites (or little water) Hardiness tender (zones 16, 17, 21-24): prefers warm coastal locations Morphology: Leaves absent - the blue-green stems are photosynthetic Flowers very large (to 6" across), white, open at night; arise from the spine-cushions along the ribs; mostly in summer Fruit a fleshy berry: lavender-rose colored, to 3-4" long, edible Propagation: seed or stem cuttings Usage: a large-scale accent shrub (or small tree with age) for desert, subtropical or Mediterranean-theme gardens, valued for its dramatic shape and structure (secondarily for its large flowers); an excellent container plant Landscape Care: Watering little required after established; water once a month in summer (more frequently if grown in container) Fertilizing none required Pruning leave alone for several years; may selectively remove lateral stems back to union with trunk for more open shape Pests/Diseases relatively free; check for cottony cushion scale Special Conditions/Other sensitive to severe frosts; other South American species are available Origin: Peru Family: Cactaceae Notes: |
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