Myrtillocactus cochal

Myrtillocactus cochal is a cactus from Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Its common names include candelabra cactus and cochal. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. This species grows in desert and dry shrubland. It occurs on hills and mesas across much of the peninsula. Rain falls in winter in its northern habitat. Southern populations receive summer rain. Insects and birds visit its flowers, including hummingbirds.

The plant forms a broad shrub or small tree. It reaches about 3–13 feet [1–4 metres] tall. Its spread runs from 5–13 feet [1.5–4 metres]. Many branches rise from a short, woody trunk. Their shape gives the plant its candelabra name. The trunk can reach 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] thick. Slender blue-green branches stand upright or curve toward the centre. Each branch has six to eight blunt ribs with shallow gaps. Spines range from grey to black. Each areole bears five short radial spines. It may also bear one longer central spine. The plant lives for a few decades.

The scented flowers open at night and remain open into daylight. They close late in the morning as heat builds. Each flower measures about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across and long. The tepals range from pale cream to light green. Purple may tint the outer tepals. White filaments and white stigma lobes fill the centre. Wild plants can bloom at any time of year. In temperate cultivation, flowering falls mainly in early summer. The round fruits turn red, sometimes with yellow or brown tones. They have no spines and contain juicy, mildly tart flesh. People eat them and use them much like currants.

Give young plants light shade, then full sun as they mature. Use a soil mix that drains well, with small gravel added. Water during summer, then let the mix dry before watering again. Keep it almost dry through winter. Give only enough water to prevent stems from shrivelling. Freezing temperatures can kill this cactus. The growing guidance recommends nights above 10°C. Plants need ample root space, even when grown in pots. Repot every other year, or when roots outgrow the pot.

Its branching form gives it value as a specimen plant. Growers sometimes keep it in containers. Seeds and summer cuttings provide ways to raise new plants. Cuttings need hot weather and dry conditions to form roots. Its edible fruit offers another use beyond its shape.