Creeping Devil Cactus, Chirinole

Scientific Name: Stenocereus eruca (Brandegee) A.C.Gibson & K.E.Horak
Synonym: Cereus eruca, Lemaireocereus eruca, Machaerocereus eruca, Rathbunia eruca
Family: Cactaceae

Origin: Mexico (Baja California Sur: Magdalena plain)

Growth Habits: Prostrate stems, stems up to 10 feet long (3 m), 1.6 to 3.2 in. in diameter (4-8 cm); 12 ribs; large areoles, 0.8 inch apart (2 cm); 1 central spine, 1.2 inch long (3 cm), and around 20 light gray radials

Propagation: Easy by cuttings

This cactus's stems lie on the ground and grow at one end while the other end slowly dies. Over the years, the plant will travel slowly that way. The name 'eruca' means 'caterpillar', referring to its growth habit. Its growth habit inspired also the 'creeping devil' common name.

Blooming Habits:
Yellow flowers, 5 inches long (12 cm), with spiny ovary. The spiny fruit is 5 inches long (12 cm) with black seeds.