Baja Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus stellatus): A Columnar, Fruit-Bearing Cactus

Stenocereus stellatus, the Baja Organ Pipe Cactus or Pitaya, is a large, columnar cactus with multiple ribbed stems rising from a short trunk, resembling organ pipes. Its stems have prominent ribs with areoles bearing stout spines. It produces large, nocturnal, white flowers followed by edible, spiny red fruits (xoconostle). This Mexican native is a dramatic landscape plant and a source of traditional food.