Myrtillocactus

Myrtillocactus
File:Myrtillocactus geometrizans.jpg
Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Cactaceae
Subfamily	Cactoideae
Tribe	Echinocereeae
SubTribe
Genus	Myrtillocactus
Species
Notes	Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). Known for their bluish stems and blueberry-like edible fruits.

Etymology

The name is derived from the Greek myrtillos (bilberry/blueberry), referring to the small, edible dark blue fruits, combined with Cereus.

Description

Myrtillocactus consists of large, highly branched, tree-like cacti that can form massive "candelabra" structures.

• Stems: Arched or upright, usually with a striking blue or glaucous (waxy) coating that protects the plant from intense sun. They typically have 5-8 ribs.
• Areoles and Spines: Areoles are well-spaced. Spines are usually few, short, and dark, often with one central spine that is stronger than the others.
• Flowers: Very small compared to the size of the plant, diurnal, and greenish-white. Several flowers often emerge from a single areole at the same time.
• Fruits: Small, globose, dark purple or blue, and fleshy. They are edible and highly prized in Mexico.

Habitat

They dominate the landscapes of the Mexican matorral (scrublands) and high deserts, often growing alongside other giants like Lophocereus and Pachycereus.

Distribution

• Mexico: Widely distributed from Baja California and Sonora down to Oaxaca.
• Guatemala: Found in the dry valleys.

Species List

Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015), the genus includes:

• Myrtillocactus cochal
• Myrtillocactus eichlamii
• Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Type species)
• Myrtillocactus schenckii

Taxonomy

Joël Lodé (2015) maintains Myrtillocactus as a distinct genus within the tribe Echinocereeae. Molecular studies show that they are closely related to Escontria and Polaskia, forming a specific lineage of North American tree-cacti.