Organ Pipe Cactus, Pitahaya Dulce

Scientific Name: Stenocereus thurberi (Engelm.) Buxb.
Synonym: Lemaireocereus thurberi, Marshallocereus thurberi, Neolemaireocereus thurberi, Pilocereus thurberi, Rathbunia thurberi
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 12-24
USDA: 9b-12

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 25°F (-4°C). The stem tips are frost sensitive and should be protected on cold nights. A styrofoam cup does a good job at it.

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Southern Arizona (USA), northern Mexico

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus branching at the base, up to 21 feet tall (7 m), 5-20 stems, 2-8 in. in diameter (5-20 cm); 12-17 ribs; 1 to 3 centrals, lowest one longer, up to 2 in. long (5 cm); 7-9 radial, 0.4 inches long (1 cm), brown at first, turning black later

Watering Needs: Little to moderate water.

Propagation: Cuttings, seeds

Blooming Habits:
The Organ Pipe blooms at night. The flowers 3-inch flowers are red with a white edge. They are followed by edible spiny 1.5 inches long fruit (4 cm), losing its spines when ripe. Its pulp is red. The seeds are dark brown.