STENOCEREUS PRUINOSUS SEEDS - EXOTIC CACTUS EDIBLE FRUIT, IN SOUTH AFRICA

Stenocereus is an easy to grow genus comprised of predominantly large, shrubby or tree-like columnar cacti. It is widespread from the Southern United States, throughout Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and into Northern South America. The genus name is derived from the Greek word “ stenos ” which means narrow and the Latin word “ cereus ” which means candle. The genus has been enlarged by the addition of species from several other genera.  A close relative is the peculiar chinoa or chende cactus, Polaskia chende. Stenocereus species mostly flower at night and are pollinated by moths and bats. Some species, like Stenocereus martinezii, Stenocereus pruinosus and Stenocereus thurberi bear delicious and refreshingly edible fruit similar to that of the Dragon Fruit Cactus, Hylocereus. They make excellent rockery plants and can also be grown in large pots. Stenocereus species are easy to grow and cold resistant to as low as -4°C, but only for short periods.  Stenocereus pruinosus commonly known as Grey Ghost is native to south and central Mexico where it is a valuable food source. It is a columnar cactus with stems that branch at the base and reach 6 meters in height in the wild. Stenocereus pruinosus usually have only 5 to 7 ribs and the new growth produces a grey powdery bloom and attractive patterns on the stems, hence the common name "Grey Ghost". It produces nocturnal white flowers with a pinkish tinge and like the other Stenocereus species the fruit is spiny till ripe, and edible. The spines fall of the fruits as they ripen.