Polaskia chichipe aka Pataki Polacki

Polaskia chichipe is a tree-like cactus from Mexico. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. People also call it chichipe, chichibe, or chichituna. Kew lists its range as Puebla, Michoacán, and Oaxaca. Other sources focus on the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley and nearby Mixteca Alta. It grows in dry scrub with thorny plants. Wild plants occur at heights of 5,249–7,546 feet [1,600–2,300 metres] above sea level. They grow on limestone deposits and in shallow, dark soil.

This spiny, woody plant can reach 16.4 feet [5 metres] tall. A short trunk supports many curved, upright branches. The trunk can reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Branches form a broad crown above the short trunk. The stems look green-grey, with a powdery surface. Each stem has nine to twelve sharp, wavy ribs. The rib edges may turn red during winter. Small pads called areoles bear clusters of stout, grey spines. Each cluster has six to eight outer spines. One longer spine grows from its centre. Spines reach 0.16 feet [0.05 metres], though most stay shorter. Their colour fades as the plant ages.

The small flowers form open cups on the stems. They range from pink-tinted white to yellow-green. LLIFLE reports flowers opening by day and lasting into the night. Useful Tropical Plants describes them as opening at night. In its native habitat, flowering runs from March through June. Fruit follows from June through August. The round, red fruit measures 0.07–0.10 feet [0.02–0.03 metres] across. Young fruit has spines, which drop away as it ripens. Inside, the pulp is red and juicy.

In cultivation, this cactus needs sun and soil that drains well. Useful Tropical Plants gives a preferred soil pH of 6–7.5. The supplied species sources give no firm frost limit. They also provide no species-specific pest or disease details. Its branching form gives it the outline of a small tree. Growers in Mexico cultivate it for its edible fruit.

People gather wild fruit, eat it fresh, and make preserves. They also sell it in local markets. The plant supplies soft wood for pottery work. People use its stems as a substitute for soap. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. That does not establish safety for pets. The same source reports a 2017 IUCN assessment of Least Concern. Plants remain abundant, including on farmland and within protected areas.