Mandacaru (Cereus fernambucensis): Brazilian Columnar Night Bloomer

Overview

Mandacaru (Cereus fernambucensis) is a large, tree-like columnar cactus from northeastern Brazil. It forms a woody trunk with branching, 4–6 ribbed, blue-green stems armed with stout spines. In spring to summer, large, white, fragrant, nocturnal flowers open at dusk, followed by red, edible fruit. It's a keystone species in the Caatinga dry forest, providing food and shelter. Fast-growing for a columnar cactus. Used as a living fence and for its fruit. Drought-deciduous in extreme dry periods.

Key Features

• Form: Tree-like, branching; woody trunk; 15–30 ft.
• Stems: 4–6 ribs, blue-green; stout spines.
• Flowers: White, large, fragrant, nocturnal; spring/summer.
• Fruit: Red, edible, sweet.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

Low to moderate in summer; dry in winter.

Soil

Well-drained, gritty.

Hardiness

USDA zones 9b–11. Frost tender.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Cereus (KER-ee-us)
Species:	fernambucensis (fer-nahm-boo-KEN-sees)
Synonyms:	Cereus fernambucensis subsp. fernambucensis, Cereus variabilis, Cereus pernambucensis, Cereus neotetragonus, Piptanthocereus obtusus