Blue Candle, Whortleberry Cactus

Scientific Name: Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart.) Console
Synonym: Cereus geometrizans, Cereus pugioniferus, Myrtillocactus geometrizans var. pugionifera , Myrtillocactus grandiareolatus, Myrtillocactus pugionifer
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 9b-11

Frost Tolerance: Semi hardy, damaged at 25°F (-4°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Northern central Mexico down to Oaxaca

Growth Habits: Candelabra like tree to fifteen feet tall (4.5 m), stems 3 to 4 inches thick (7-10 cm)

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in summer

There are forests of Whortleberry cactus in some areas of the Chihuahuan desert.

Blooming Habits:
The Blue candle starts blooming when it is 2 feet tall (60 cm). It has one inch in diameter whitish flowers in March, that turn in very sweet, edible, dark red, 1/3 inch in diameter (8 mm) fruits.

Propagation:
Cuttings will root only in hot weather.