Blue-green candelabra-shaped cactus tree from the Chihuahuan Desert, central and southern Mexico. May be wider than tall. Stems are about 4 inches in diameter and blue-green, often branching heavily, with 5-6 ribs, 1 central spine, 5-9 radial spines. Old plants develop strong, woody trunks and may retain dozens of branches. The flower is greenish white and just over an inch wide. More than one flower may be produced per areole. The fruit (garambullo) is a purple berry about half that size, prized for its great deliciousness.

Widespread in central Mexico (from Tamaulipas to Oaxaca). Winter cold is thought to determine the northern extent of its range. This species is geographically distinct from the similar-looking Myrtillocactus cochal, from Baja California, also with edible fruit.

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This crested form of a large tree cactus can reach pretty good proportions in a container (a couple feet tall in a 12 inch pot) and will grow a few feet tall in the ground. Like the parent, it has glaucous blue-green stems with sharp spines. There is more than one version of this mutation and some may be more stable than others (which may revert to partly or fully normal stems). Remove normal growth to favor the slower crested parts. This plant is sometimes found grafted but I don't think there's any particular advantage, given it roots fast and grows perfectly fine on its own roots. It will be limited by container size, and growers put it in the ground to avoid this effect. Provide strong light for best color and form.

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