Acanthocereus, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
barbed-wire cactus
Overview
Acanthocereus is a genus of sprawling, clambering cacti in the family Cactaceae, with about eight species native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. Stems are slender and green, 2–7 cm (0.8–2.8 in) thick, with three to five sharp ribs lined with clusters of stout spines, and they arch, lean, and scramble over other plants to lengths of 2–7 m (6.5–23 ft). New growth is erect before bending and rooting where it touches the ground, forming dense, tangled thickets. Large funnel-shaped flowers 12–25 cm (5–10 in) long open at night, white inside with greenish outer segments, and are pollinated by moths and bats before closing by mid-morning. Red, fleshy, spiny fruits 3–5 cm (1.2–2 in) long follow and are edible. Acanthocereus grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or rocky soil in frost-free climates, tolerating drought, heat, and salt spray, but it is damaged by frost and rots in wet, poorly drained ground. The spreading, spiny stems form barriers that are hard to remove once established.
Native Range
Acanthocereus is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, from the southern United States in Florida and Texas through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean into northern South America. It grows in coastal scrub, dunes, dry forests, and thickets, mostly at low elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown as a spiny barrier or screen, in cactus and dry gardens, and trained on walls and fences in frost-free regions. Planted for its night flowers and edible fruit. Suited to hot, dry, low-water sites rather than cool or wet gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 23'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with greenFoliage Description
green stems (leafless)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Acanthocereus in full sun to light shade on sharp, free-draining sandy or rocky soil. It tolerates drought, heat, poor ground, and coastal salt but needs frost-free conditions and rots in wet, heavy, or shaded sites. A soil pH from about 6.0 to 7.5 suits it. Water occasionally in the growing season and keep it dry in cool weather. The scrambling stems need a support, wall, or open ground to spread across. Established plants need little care beyond containment.Pruning
Prune Acanthocereus to control its spread and remove stems that have rooted beyond their space. Cut stems back to a joint at any time in warm weather, and let the cut ends callus before they are moved. Thinning the tangle improves air flow and flowering.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
