Acanthocerus tetragonus (Chaco, Triangle Cactus, Dildoe Cactus, Barbed-wire Cactus)

Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusAcanthocerus
Speciestetragonus
SynonymsAcanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus floridanus, Acanthocereus pentagonus, Cactus tetragonus, Cereus dussii, Cereus pentagonus
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginCoastal areas of South Texas, Florida, West Indies, Mexico, Central America and northern South America. 
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Fruit is edible and sweet.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-6.6) to above 4.5
Temperature (°F)20 - 40
Height1.2 - 9 m
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA triangle cactus that has large, fragrant white blooms that open at night during the summer and attracts hummingbirds.
PropagationBy seed or stem cuttings.
CultivationGrow in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatThickets in sandy or coastal areas. 
Bark/Stem DescriptionSprawling, clambering or arching-accumbent stems to several meters up to 2 m growth per year.
Flower DescriptionNight-flowering, fully open flower 10-20 cm in diameter, inner tepals are pure white, and slightly fragrant.
Fruit DescriptionA shiny, red and sweet-tasting fruit.
Texture DescriptionPlant has spines or sharp edges.

Photographs