Polaskia chende

(Roland-Gosselin) A.C. Gibson & K.E. Horak

Chende

Cactaceae Edible: Fruit 36 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Polaskia chende is a succulent cactus native to a small area of mountains of northern Oaxaca and southern Puebla, Mexico. It grows in xerophytic shrubland between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level.

Description

A cactus. It is a treelike plant. It branches near the ends. It grows 4 m tall. There is a distinct trunk 80 cm high and 25-30 cm wide. The stems may be slightly curved and are yellowish-green. They are 40-50 cm long and 5-7 cm wide. The flowers open in the morning. Flowers occur singly and have a scent. They are white and 6.5 cm across. The fruit are round and 3.5-4 cm wide. They have clusters of short thin spines.

Edible Uses

The fruit are edible.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Xerophyllous scrub and riparian vegetation; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,000 metres.

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7.5. The flowers open in the morning, they are delicately scented.

Synonyms

Cereus chende Roland-GosselinLemaireocereus chende (Roland-Gosselin) Britton & RoseHeliabravoa chende (Roland-Gosselin) BackenbergMyrtillocactus chende (Roland-Gosselin) P.V. Heath

References (5)

Anderson, E.F., 2001, The Cactus Family, Timber Press. p 589
Fouqué, A. 1972. Espèces fruitières d'Amérique tropicale. Institut français de recherches fruitierès outre-me (As Lemaireocereus chichipe)
Lira, R., et al, 2009, Traditional Knowledge and Useful Plant Richness in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley, Mexico. Economic Botany XX(X): 1-17
Segura, S. et al, 2018, The edible fruit species in Mexico. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2018) 65:1767–1793
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew