Barbados Gooseberry, Tsunya
Synonym: Pereskia acardia, Pereskia undulata, Pereskia rubescens, Pereskia longispina, Pereskia aculeata var. rubescens, Pereskia aculeata var. godseffiana, Pereskia pereskia, Cactus pereskia, Pereskia godseffiana
Family: Cactaceae
 Pereskia aculeata at Holly Gate, photo Terry Hewitt |
Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 26°F (-3°C) Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix in summer Sun Exposure: Morning sun or bright shade Origin: Caribbean and South America, escaped in Central America to Florida Growth Habits: Climbing shrub, up to 20 feet tall (6 m), 1 to 3 short hooked spines, sometimes longer straight spines on older stems, leaves with short petioles, up to 4 inches long (10 cm) Watering Needs: Enjoy some humidity in the air. They need good drainage, but the soil should stay moist in summer. Keep drier in winter. Propagation: |
A common variety of Pereskia aculeata is sold as Pereskia godseffiana, the valid name seems to be Pereskia aculeata var. rubescens. It is a pretty form that has leaves variegated with red.
The fruits are edible, and in some places, the leaves are used as vegetables.
Blooming Habits:
Strongly scented whitish flowers in clusters, to 1.6 inches in diameter (4 cm), followed by light yellow, edible, spiny fruits, 0.6 to 0.8 in. in diameter. The seeds are dark brown, flattened 4 to 5 mm in diameter.
Fruiting Habits:
Propagation:
Contrarily to other cacti, this plant is not succulent, and the cuttings should be planted in a moist soil mixture immediately instead of being left to dry out a couple of days.
References:
Las Cactaceas de Mexico
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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