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Useful Tropical Plants

Pereskia aculeata

Mill.

Cactaceae

+ Synonyms

Cactus lucidus Salisb.

Cactus pereskia L.

Pereskia acardia J.Parm. ex Pfeiff.

Pereskia brasiliensis Pfeiff.

Pereskia lanceolata (Pfeiff.) C.F.Först.

Pereskia longispina Haw.

Pereskia peireskia H.Karst.

Pereskia pereskia (L.) H.Karst.

Pereskia plantaginea Pfeiff.

Pereskia rubescens (Pfeiff.) Houghton

Pereskia undulata Lem.

Common Name: Barbados Gooseberry

Pereskia aculeata
Fruiting plant, growing in native habitat
Photograph by: João Medeiros
Creative Commons License
Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata Pereskia aculeata

General Information

Pereskia aculeata is an erect, spiny, deciduous, woody shrub when young, becoming, with age, scrambling or climbing and vine-like, with stems up to 10 metres long that may shroud a large tree[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
]. Although the plant is in the cactus family, it is not easily recognised as such since it is not succulent and has leaves[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
The plant is seldom found truly wild but is frequently grown in tropical areas as an ornamental or occasionally for its edible leaves and fruits. The leaves are often sold in local markets in eastern Brazil. There are some named varieties grown as ornamentals[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].
Pereskia aculeata is common, widespread, and an aggressive invader in parts of the world where it has been introduced. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
1987
Title
The Cactus Family
Publication
 
Author
Anderson E.F.
Publisher
Timber Press; Portland, Oregon
Year
2001
ISBN
0-88192-498-9
Description
An excellent work, giving botanical descriptions of virtually all the cacti, together with their range (but not their habitats) and sometimes also a photo. it also contains a long chapter detailing the many uses of cacti and another on cultivation..
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, eastern Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama; Caribbean

Habitat

Humid to sub-humid evergreen forests on inselbergs of gneiss or granite and also on limestone. The plant is often seen growing over vegetation and rocks[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Properties

Weed PotentialYes
Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *
HabitDeciduous Climber
Height10.00 m
PollinatorsInsects
Cultivation StatusCultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

A plant of hot, tropical climates with medium to high rainfall[
335
Title
Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics : an Inventory
Publication
 
Author
Martin, F. W.; Campbell, C. W.; Rubertbe, R. M.
Publisher
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Year
1987
ISBN
 
Description
A booklet giving terse details of almost 300 species of edible fruits, plus regional lists of Botanical and Common names for over 2,500 less well-known edible fruits of the tropics.
]. Most Pereskia species occur in dry forests and thorn-scrub habitats in a tropical climate with a more or less pronounced dry season of about two to five months[
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].
Requires a well-drained soil. An easily grown plant, flourishing with little or no care, the plant is drought-tolerant and suffers from over-watering[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
]. Under high light intensity, it can be kept erect and compact; under low light, it grows higher, with ascending stems and the leaves are larger and thinner[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7.5[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
The plant has been widely introduced into tropical areas, where it has often escaped from cultivation[
266
Title
Flora of China
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher
Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
Year
1994
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
]. Gardeners had to give up the plant in South Africa in 1979 when it was banned as an illegal weed because it had been invading and overwhelming natural vegetation[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental, the flowers being handsome and intensely aromatic,, although they do have a somewhat offensive fragrance[
411
Title
Trees and Shrubs of Mexico
Publication
Contributions from the United States National Herbarium Vol 23
Author
Standley P.C.
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution; Washington
Year
1926
ISBN
 
Description
Although dated, it contains a wealth of information on the trees and shrubs of Mexico, including many of their uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].
The flowers are said to be of great value to bees[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
].
Species in this genus are deciduous under conditions with seasonal drought and, in cultivation, also lose their leaves if the mean temperature falls below around 15°c[
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[
46
Title
Dictionary of Economic Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Uphof. J. C. Th.
Publisher
Weinheim
Year
1959
ISBN
-
Description
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
,
335
Title
Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics : an Inventory
Publication
 
Author
Martin, F. W.; Campbell, C. W.; Rubertbe, R. M.
Publisher
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Year
1987
ISBN
 
Description
A booklet giving terse details of almost 300 species of edible fruits, plus regional lists of Botanical and Common names for over 2,500 less well-known edible fruits of the tropics.
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
]. A pleasant, sweet-sour flavour[
335
Title
Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics : an Inventory
Publication
 
Author
Martin, F. W.; Campbell, C. W.; Rubertbe, R. M.
Publisher
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Year
1987
ISBN
 
Description
A booklet giving terse details of almost 300 species of edible fruits, plus regional lists of Botanical and Common names for over 2,500 less well-known edible fruits of the tropics.
]. They are sometimes eaten raw, but are generally stewed or preserved with sugar, or made into jam[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
,
1438
Title
Food Plants in the Americas: A Survey of the Domesticated, Cultivated, and Wild Plants Used for Human Food in North,
Publication
 
Author
Kermath B.M.; Bennett B.C.' Pulsipher L.M.
Publisher
 
Year
2014
ISBN
 
Description
A pre-publication draft of an amazing, on-going work first started in 1985. It contains information on more than 3,900 taxa from the Americas - from Arctic regions to the Tropics
]. A good source of vitamin A[
335
Title
Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics : an Inventory
Publication
 
Author
Martin, F. W.; Campbell, C. W.; Rubertbe, R. M.
Publisher
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Year
1987
ISBN
 
Description
A booklet giving terse details of almost 300 species of edible fruits, plus regional lists of Botanical and Common names for over 2,500 less well-known edible fruits of the tropics.
]. The fruit is round, oval or pyriform, lemon- or orange-yellow or reddish, 10 - 25mm wide, with thin, smooth, somewhat leathery skin[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
,
1987
Title
The Cactus Family
Publication
 
Author
Anderson E.F.
Publisher
Timber Press; Portland, Oregon
Year
2001
ISBN
0-88192-498-9
Description
An excellent work, giving botanical descriptions of virtually all the cacti, together with their range (but not their habitats) and sometimes also a photo. it also contains a long chapter detailing the many uses of cacti and another on cultivation..
]. It is beset with the curling, leafy sepals of the calyx and often a few spines, until fully ripe, when it is juicy and subacid to tart[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
].

Young shoots and leaves - raw or cooked[
301
Title
Cornucopia II
Publication
 
Author
Facciola. S.
Publisher
Kampong Publications, California.
Year
1998
ISBN
0-9628087-2-5
Description
The second edition of an excellent guide to the edible uses of plants, though it does not give any details of cultivation etc.
,
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
]. They can be eaten in salads in the same way as purslane (Portulacca spp.), or added to cooked dishes and eaten as greens[
301
Title
Cornucopia II
Publication
 
Author
Facciola. S.
Publisher
Kampong Publications, California.
Year
1998
ISBN
0-9628087-2-5
Description
The second edition of an excellent guide to the edible uses of plants, though it does not give any details of cultivation etc.
,
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
]. A good source of protein[
1438
Title
Food Plants in the Americas: A Survey of the Domesticated, Cultivated, and Wild Plants Used for Human Food in North,
Publication
 
Author
Kermath B.M.; Bennett B.C.' Pulsipher L.M.
Publisher
 
Year
2014
ISBN
 
Description
A pre-publication draft of an amazing, on-going work first started in 1985. It contains information on more than 3,900 taxa from the Americas - from Arctic regions to the Tropics
]. They are an important food in parts of rural Brazil[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].

Medicinal

The leaves are rich in mucilage. They are valued for their emollient nature and are crushed then applied on inflammations and tumours[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
,
739
Title
Medicinal Plants of Brazil
Publication
 
Author
Mors W.B.; Rizzini C.T.; Pereira N.A.
Publisher
Reference Publications; Michigan.
Year
2000
ISBN
0-917256-42-5
Description
An extremely concise book, listing approximately 1,500 species and varieties of plants with their botanical name, common name in Brazil, regions in Brazil where the plant is found, a brief list of uses and any medically active compounds in the plant.
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].

The fruit is antisyphilitic and expectorant[
739
Title
Medicinal Plants of Brazil
Publication
 
Author
Mors W.B.; Rizzini C.T.; Pereira N.A.
Publisher
Reference Publications; Michigan.
Year
2000
ISBN
0-917256-42-5
Description
An extremely concise book, listing approximately 1,500 species and varieties of plants with their botanical name, common name in Brazil, regions in Brazil where the plant is found, a brief list of uses and any medically active compounds in the plant.
].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[
1438
Title
Food Plants in the Americas: A Survey of the Domesticated, Cultivated, and Wild Plants Used for Human Food in North,
Publication
 
Author
Kermath B.M.; Bennett B.C.' Pulsipher L.M.
Publisher
 
Year
2014
ISBN
 
Description
A pre-publication draft of an amazing, on-going work first started in 1985. It contains information on more than 3,900 taxa from the Americas - from Arctic regions to the Tropics
].

Other Uses

Often used as a rootstock on which to graft other less vigorous cacti[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
].

We have no specific description of the wood for this species, but the general description for the wood from Pereskia species (sensu lato) is as follows:-The wood is yellow, without difference between softwood and heartwood. The texture is medium, soft grain, straight fibre, with no characteristic odour or taste[
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
],

Propagation

Seed - fresh seed can be slow to germinate, it is best to sow seed that is between several months to 2 years old and this should germinate after a few days. Even when five years old, seed can have a 50% germination rate[
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].
Easily grown from cuttings of half-ripe wood, taken during the dry season[
336
Title
Fruits of Warm Climates
Publication
 
Author
Morton. J.
Publisher
Florida Flair books, Florida.
Year
1987
ISBN
0961018410
Description
A very well written guide to about 125 species.
,
1988
Title
Pereskia (Cactaceae)
Publication
Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden Volume 41
Author
Leuenberger B.E.
Publisher
The New York Botanical Garden; Bronx, New York
Year
1986
ISBN
0-89327-307-4
Description
The genus Pereskia (sensu lato) has been divided into several genera since this treatment was written, but it still remains an excellent guide to the plants.
].
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-12-03. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Pereskia+aculeata>

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