Cereus jamacaru aka Queen Of The Night

Cereus jamacaru is a tree-like cactus from Brazil. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. People also call it mandacaru or pleated cereus. Its native range covers central and eastern Brazil, including the northeast. It grows in dry tropical lands with wet and dry seasons. Habitats include open woods, scrub, coastal land, and rocky ground. Some areas support large stands of this cactus.

This slow-growing, evergreen succulent forms a thick, woody trunk. Sources give heights of 13–33 feet [4–10 m]. One source reports plants reaching 39 feet [12 m]. They do not give a separate garden height range. The trunk can reach 2 feet [0.6 m] across. Most plants branch low down and form a dense crown. In thick woods, plants may have just a few branches. Young branches look blue and have four to six ribs. Large grey areoles sit along these tall, wavy ribs. Their sharp spines start yellow or brown, then turn black. Some older spines reach 1 foot [0.3 m] long.

Flower buds appear around the middle of spring. Large white flowers grow from the sides of the stems. Each opens at dusk and fades by the next morning. Flowers reach 1 foot [0.3 m] long. Their width can reach 0.66 feet [0.2 m]. Sources describe the fruit as bright red or deep violet. Ripe fruit can split along one side, exposing white flesh. Small black seeds lie within the soft pulp. People eat the slightly sweet fruit fresh, cooked, or preserved. They also cook the stems as a vegetable.

The plant grows in sand, stony ground, and clay with gravel. In dry open woods, it favours sites with more moisture. People grow it for its form and as a living fence. Farmers also cut young branches for cattle during severe droughts. Its light wood once supplied parts for local homes. Other uses include light boxes, frames, and models. Wood-eating organisms can damage the timber.

Habitat loss has reduced some wild populations, though its range remains large. Useful Tropical Plants reports an IUCN status of Least Concern. The cactus can return after disturbance and occurs in protected areas. Outside its native range, it has become invasive. The same source lists no known hazards, but that does not establish pet safety. Its long, sharp spines remain a clear physical hazard.