Pilosocereus arrabidae aka Pilosocereus Arrabidae

Pilosocereus arrabidae is a cactus that grows as a shrub. It comes from eastern Brazil and belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Its range takes in Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro. It grows along a narrow strip of coast. Kew places it in a tropical zone with dry seasons. The RHS gives Cephalocereus arrabidae as an older name. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant stores water and has a short trunk. Its upright stems look like columns. Branches grow from near the base of the plant. Reports give a height of about 3.3–13.1 feet [1–4 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants also lists a height of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. These figures do not give a distinct size range for gardens. The stems span about 0.16–0.30 feet [0.05–0.09 metres] across. Stiff spines cover them and reach 0.05–0.13 feet [0.015–0.04 metres] long. The source calls it an evergreen shrub, which keeps its leaves year-round.

Wild plants grow on banks and in forests along the coast. They also grow among sand dunes and on rocky cliffs. Sites reach about 328 feet [100 metres] above sea level. This tropical plant has little ability to cope with frost. Even a mild frost can harm it. Its climate has mean low temperatures of at least 12°C. For garden care, the source lists full sun or light shade. It says growers can raise plants from seeds or stem cuttings.

The fruit serves as a modest local source of food. People sometimes pick it from wild plants and eat it raw. Its flesh is juicy but has a floury feel. It has a mild, sweet taste. Each fruit spans about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] across. A source photo shows ripe fruit split around red flesh and seeds. Yet the fruit has limited local appeal. The supplied species account gives no time of year for flowers. It does not say what carries pollen between them.

Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2017 assessment of Near Threatened. Building work and plantations may affect its small coastal range. The account lists no known hazards but does not confirm pet safety. The plant has stiff spines. The supplied evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species. It lists no known uses as medicine or for other tasks. Picking wild fruit is the main use it describes.