Common Name: Jamacaru

General Information

Cereus jamacaru is a tree-like, succulent, evergreen cactus, usually branching from low down and forming dense crowns; it can grow around 4 - 12 metres tall[]. The stems are covered with spines[]. The main stem ('bole') can be up to 2 metres long before branching and 20 - 60cm in diameter[].
The plant provides an edible fruit that is commonly gathered from the wild and greatly enjoyed within its native range[, ]. It has been trialled as a fruit crop in Italy, and is sometimes grown as an ornamental or as a hadge and living fence[, ]. There are various named varieties for ornamental use[].
Cereus jamacaru occurs over a vast area and within protected areas, and has the ability to re-establish after disturbance. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dry, open forest areas of northeast Brazil, with a preference for growing in the less dry areas on clay soils mixed with fine grave and in sandy to stony soilsl; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cereus jamacaru is a plant of the semi-arid tropics. Requires a mean minimum temperature no lower than 7°c.
Requires a position in full sun and a reasonably well-drained soil[]. Prefers a pH lower than 6[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
Newly planted trees are slow to establish and grow away[].
A variable species, at least 5 distinct forms have been recognised[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, cooked or preserved[, ]. A farinaceous, succulent pulp with a slightly sweet flavour[]. The fruit is about 12cm long and 7cm wide[].

Stems - cooked and used as a vegetable[, ].

Medicinal

The juice is used for treating scurvy, lung and skin diseases[].
The juice is also applied topically to treat ulcers[].
The above reports do not specify if it is the juice from the fruit or from the stems[].

The plant is known to contain alkaloids[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is a pioneer of open ground in its native area and could be a suitable, if slow-growing, pioneer for semi-arid areas generally[, ].
The plant has an upright and spiny habit and can be propagated easily by cuttings it makes a good living hedge for marking boundaries, excluding grazing animals and conserving the soil[, ]

Other Uses

The wood is regular-grained, very light and coarse-textured. It is very susceptible to wood eating organisms. It can only be used to make light boxes and models such as model aeroplanes, but was at one time used in the construction of traditional dwellings[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow the seed in a semi-shaded position, spreading the seed on the surface and watering it into the soil. Germination rates are usually low with the seed sprouting within 40 - 60 days[].
Cuttings.

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