PERUVIAN APPLE CACTUS

Scientific Name: Cereus repandus

Common Names: Peruvian Apple Cactus

Description: The Peruvian Apple Cactus is a large, impressive cactus with a majestic appearance.

Size: It can grow quite large, reaching heights of 10 meters (33 feet) or more in its natural habitat. Indoors, with proper care, it can reach 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) tall.

Stems: The defining feature is the thick, columnar, upright stems. These stems are typically green but can have a grayish hue and often have prominent ribs.

Spines: The stems have clusters of small spines emerging from the areoles (small bumps) along the ribs.

Flowers: Peruvian Apple Cactus is known for its spectacular, fragrant white flowers. These large flowers can be up to 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) wide and bloom at night, typically in late spring or summer.

Fruits: The cactus produces edible fruits, hence the name “Peruvian Apple Cactus.” However, the fruits are not true apples.

Uses: Popular due to:

• Majestic, columnar form with beautiful night-blooming flowers.
• Produces edible fruits (with proper care).
• Can be a conversation starter due to the “apple” in its common name.