Pitaya, Xoconochtli, Jonocostle

Scientific Name: Stenocereus stellatus (Pfeiff.) Riccob.
Synonym: Cereus dyckii, Cereus stellatus, Lemaireocereus stellatus, Rathbunia stellata
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 10

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla)

Growth Habits: Shrubby, up to 10 feet tall (3 m), often basally branching, bluish green stems 2.8 to 4 in. wide (7-10 cm); 8-12 obtuse ribs; areoles 0.4 to 0.8 in. apart (1-2 cm); 3 central spines; 10-12 gray radials with darker tips.

Watering Needs: Little to moderate water

Propagation: Stem cuttings

The fruit is edible, slightly acid can be found in the markets as 'Jonocostle' or 'Tuna'.

Blooming Habits:
The nocturnal pink, bell-shaped 1.6 to 2.4 inch long flowers (4-6 cm), appear at the top of the stems in June to August. The red globose fruit are up to 1.2 inches in diameter (3 cm) with spines falling at maturity.