Large, branching cactus tree with upright stems, large white nocturnal flowers, and delicious fruit. Stems are 4-8 inches wide and light green, with several ribs and variable spines. They tend to be segmented. Fruit typically has a thick skin and white pulp, with relatively small, glossy black seeds. It is bright red and supposedly apple-like when ripe and will eventually break open, prompting the visit of birds and other animals for the inviting contents.

This plant is popular and widespread in cultivation, but apparently comes from the western Caribbean and Venezuela, according to Anderson. It is typically grown as an ornamental and/or as a living fence. It can reach imposing proportions (up to about 30 feet, even higher with support). Easy propagated from cuttings and drought tolerant in the landscape (though a faster grower with regular water).

This plant is easily confused with Cereus hildmannianus. C. peruvianus is an ambiguous synonym for C. repandus.

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This cactus is a nocturnal bloomer and the flowers only last one night. The plant was here when I bought the house about seven months ago and although I detest thorny plants this one seems to be growing on me.

The large blooms are very pretty and are supposed to be sweetly fragrant although I didn't detect much fragrance (which could be attributed to the fact that it was pouring down rain when I went out to check.) I've read that the fruit has a mild, sweet taste and that the seeds are crunchy and edible as well ... I can't wait to try it! I do hope to transplant it to a different location in the landscape at some point because it's currently located right next to a walkway.

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Wonderful plant, Lin. Do you know how fast it grows?

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