Status:
valid
Authors:
(Orcutt) Britton & Rose
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1909
Citation Micro:
in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 12: 427. 1909.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287217
Common Names
- Myrtillocactus cochal
- Cochal Cactus
- Blue Torch Cactus
Description
Myrtillocactus cochal (also called Cochal's Blue Cactus, among many other common names) is a cactus species native to Mexico and the United States. It is a shrubby cactus that grows up to 1 m tall and has flat, paddle-shaped stems. It is found in dry, rocky habitats at elevations of up to 1,000 m.
Uses & Benefits
Myrtillocactus cochal is used as an ornamental plant, as a source of food, and in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Myrtillocactus cochal has small, white, star-shaped flowers with five petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings have thin, green stems and small, round, green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Myrtillocactus cochal is a slow-growing, columnar cactus native to Mexico. It is best grown in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept warm and moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from the stem and allowed to dry for a few days before planting in a well-draining soil mix.
Where to Find Myrtillocactus cochal
Myrtillocactus cochal can be found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Myrtillocactus cochal FAQ
What is the scientific name of Myrtillocactus cochal?
Myrtillocactus cochal
What is the common name of Myrtillocactus cochal?
Cochal Cactus
What is the natural habitat of Myrtillocactus cochal?
Deserts of Mexico
Species in the Myrtillocactus genus
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,