Common Name:

General Information

Pilosocereus royenii is a succulent, very spiny tree-like cactus with erect to ascending cylindrical stems. Growing up to 8 metres tall, with a much-branched, tree-like form, the leafless, spiny stems are around 5 - 8cm thick and composed mostly of soft water-storing tissues[, , , ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Pilosocereus royenii is widely distributed through the Caribbean and is relatively abundant throughout its range. Its main threat is the development of its coastal habitats for tourism. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Caribbean - Trinidad to Cuba and the Bahamas; southern N. America - southern Mexico.

Habitat

Dry tropical and subtropical forests and shrublands, mainly in coastal areas with limestone rocky soils and volcanic rocky soils; at elevations up to 200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier areas in the tropical lowlands, it will take very little frost before growing tips of the stems are damaged[].
Grows best in bright shade to full sun[]. Requires a well-drained soil. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
The plant probably flowers irregularly through the year. The tubular fleshy flowers extend straight and nearly horizontal, opening at night[].
The tree cactus is remarkably well adapted to very dry conditions. The root system is broad and near the surface where water from light rains can be absorbed rapidly. The bulk of the plant is made up of soft, water-storing tissues, which are light green near the surface and yellowish within; juicy and slightly salty in taste. This retains water that has been absorbed after rains for use over long dry periods. The surface area is greatly reduced through absence of leaves, and loss of water to the air (transpiration) is correspondingly checked. The branches have a very thick skin which also retards evaporation and, being green, at the same time carry on the processes of food manufacture (photosynthesis), normally functions of the green leaves. Further, the formidable spines protect the juicy stems from animal life[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The ovary develops into the fruit, while the remaining flower parts shrivel and dry, remaining attached. The purple-black, flattened berry contains a slightly sweet, red juicy flesh in which are embedded many small shiny black seeds less than 1.5mm long[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The soft wood of the stems is a light brown fibrous cylinder with large white rays[].

Propagation

Seed -

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