Synonyms

Browningia candelaris (Meyen) Britton & Rose: Browningia icaensis F. Ritter, Cereus candelaris Meyen, Cactus candelaris (Meyen) Meyen

Local Names

Chile: Candelabro, Cardón, Chastudo, Sabaya, Maksa, Tunilla

Botany and Ecology

Succulent cactus, arborescent, between 3 and 5 m high; trunk very spiny, erect, which branches to a certain height, with up to 50 branches that grow in all directions. Ribs, about 30, narrow and flattened; Oval and large areolas. Thorns of the main stem up to 15 cm long, brown new and gray or black after. Large flowers, between 8 and 12 cm long; ovary and floral tube covered with broad and fleshy scales; narrow, external petals of pink coffee color, white or slightly pink internal. Fruit: fleshy, yellowish berry, approximately 7 cm in diameter, slightly ovate with dark scales, with a whitish pulp with numerous black seeds, 2000–3000 m above sea level (González and Molina 2017).

Local Medicinal Uses

The fruit is used to treat gallbladder disease (González and Molina 2017; Rodriguez et al. 2018; Villagrán and Castro 2003).

Local Food Uses

The fresh fruit is eaten with sugar (González and Molina 2017; Rodriguez et al. 2018; Villagrán and Castro 2003).

Local Handicraft and Other Uses

Provides wood for the construction of houses (roof beams) and for handicrafts (González and Molina 2017; Rodriguez et al. 2018; Villagrán and Castro 2003).