Baja California endemic cactus with long, skinny, relatively unbranched 3-5 ribbed stems arising from fleshy, engorged roots (like other members of the genus). May grow to several feet high, with a sideways, clambering habit. Large, nocturnal, fragrant white flowers appear in late winter, followed by oval red fruits with weak spines. Uncommon in nature but found in Baja California Sur along the Gulf coast, and on nearby islands. Both the fruit and the roots are edible, and the latter are said to have various curative properties.

This is one of two species of Peniocereus found in southern Baja California; the other is P. striatus, which ranges into Sonora, Sinaloa and Arizona. In Sonora and Sinaloa a third species can be found, P. marianus.

Reply to this comment