Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information
Cactus

Blue Myrtle Cactus, Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Blue Myrtle Cactus, Myrtillocactus geometrizans Photo Taken February 2, 2006.

Blue Candle Cactus	Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Blue Myrtle Cactus Myrtillocactus geometrizans, Cactus Family ( Cactaceae ), Blue Myrtle Cactus. Also called Blue Candle, Whortleberry Cactus, Cactus Myrtle. Columnar, basally branching, slow growing up to 15 feet tall. Stems 3 to 4 inches in diameter; 5 to 10 ribs; areoles on the bottom part of the stems are woolly, oval, 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide, with one to 15 spines, 1/16 to 1/3 inch long; upper areoles 1/3 to 6/10 inch wide, 20 to 75 spines , 1 1/4 to 4 inches long. Very attractive for landscape use. It is also less frost resistant, and should be protected below 25°F It has one inch in diameter green - white flowers in March, which become very sweet, edible, dark red, 1/3 inch in diameter fruits. Height: Height to about 15 feet. Spreading to about 8 feet. Flowers: Small green - white, up to 1 inches in diameter. Blooming Time: March - April. Segments: Green stems are stems 3 to 4 inches thick. Fruit: Purple, with a red pulp. Elevation: 0 - 4800 Feet. Habitat: Sandy flats. Full Sun. A Xeriscape Landscape plant. Native to North Central Mexico as far South as Oaxaca. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken At Arrowhead Ranch. Photo Taken February 2, 2006.