Escontria chiotilla - (A.A.Weber ex K.Schum.) Rose

(A.A.Weber ex K.Schum.) Rose

Chiotilla, Jiotilla

Cactaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below

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Erik Atonaltzin Tapia Santiago

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Erik Atonaltzin Tapia Santiago

gbif· cc-by-nc

José Javier Barrios Flores

Description

Escontria chiotilla is an evergreen Perennial growing to 7 m (23ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Uses

Drink. Edible Portion: Fruit. The purple fleshy fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used in marmalade and ice cream. They are also used for juice. The fruit are also dried and said to have a gooseberry flavour. They are sold in Tehucan markets under the name geotilla and tuna.

Known Hazards

Sharp spines

Distribution

Mesoamerica. Mexico (Puebla, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Guerrero).

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: Mexico, Guerrero, Michoacán de Ocampo, Oaxaca, Puebla,

Cultivation

Agroforestry Services: Living fence Fodder: Bank Management: Standard Regional Crop. Climate: tropical highlands. Humidity: arid to semi-arid. Full Sun to Partial Shade. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. Soil pH: 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7.8 (mildly alkaline). Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: regional crop. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagation

Seed - direct sow after last frost. Seed Collecting: Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds. Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored.

Other Uses

Fencing Fodder Carbon Farming Solutions - Agroforestry Services: living fence (Agroforestry is a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland). Fodder: bank.