Acanthocereus tetragonus

The Acanthocereus tetragonus is a tall, columnar cactus. At full maturity, this species reaches an approximate height of 15' - 20' with an approximate width of 3'. It sports sprawling/clambering or arching-accumbent stems. Ribs are sharply-angled. Mature specimens typically have 3 stems while juvenile plants have 4 - 5. Spines take on an average length of 1" - 2". In perfect conditions, an annual average of 2' - 3' of new growth can be expected!

The Acanthocereus tetragonus is frost hardy (down to approximately 20 degrees F). Flowers are white and nocturnal. Unbelievably, these stunning flowers have a typical diameter of 5" - 7". This species has a well documented effect of attracting butterflies. Fruits are shiny and red in color. Fruit is edible (sweet and delicious). This species is located within the same genus as Dragon Fruit. Fruit is commonly eaten raw, cooked or made into wine.

Attributes:

Garden-

1. Fantastic choice for centerpiece plant
2. Stunning flowers (typical 5" - 7" diameter)
3. Well documented effect of attracting butterflies
4. Fast growing species (2' - 3' annual average growth)
5. Frost hardy

Fruit-

1. Edible fruit
2. This species is located within the same genus as Dragon Fruit
3. Fruit is sweet and delicious
4. Fruit is commonly eaten raw, cooked or made into wine

Xeriscaping-

1. Great candidate for xeriscaping
2. Drought tolerant
3. Low water needs

Synonyms:

1. Acanthocereus acutangulus (Otto ex Pfeiff.) A.Berger
2. Acanthocereus brasiliensis Britton & Rose
3. Acanthocereus columbianus Britton & Rose
4. Acanthocereus pentagonus (L.) Britton & Rose
5. Acanthocereus pitajaya (Jacq.) Dugand ex Croizat
6. Acanthocereus princeps (Pfeiff.) Backeb.
7. Acanthocereus prismaticus (Willd.)
8. Acanthocereus tetragonus var. minor (Salm-Dyck)
9. Cereus validus Haw.