Octopus Cactus?
Dear Cactus Blog,
Here are (some) photos. The last one, I can tell that’s a Cardon Cactus and a Palo Blanco, but that green shrubby Medusa looking cactus on the right….Octopus Cactus/Cina???
Thanks so much for your time.
Steve
It sure does look like Stenocereus alamosensis. I’ll put it on the blog and see if anyone disagrees.
Peter
But wait! There’s more!
Peter,
I’m starting to think that it’s more likely Stenocereus Gummosus. They look very similar, but the Gummosus is prevalent in Baja, especially coastal Baja and in south/Cape region. That’s exactly where those photos were taken, within 500 meters from the Sea of Cortez, about 30 miles south of La Paz.
The Alamensis is listed only for the Mexican states of Chihauhau and Sonora, with no mention of Baja.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Steve
Steve,
The only way to be sure would be to catch it in bloom. S. alamosensis has 3″ diameter branches with red flowers open during the day, while S. gummosus has 2″ branches with slender pink flowers that open at night. S. gummosus has edible fruit regularly eaten throughout Baja.
Send bloom photos if you can!
Peter
