Home > Herbs > Myrtillocactus Geometrizans

blue myrtle-cactus

Myrtillocactus geometrizans · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Blue myrtle-cactus, scientifically known as Myrtillocactus geometrizans, is a resilient succulent native to arid regions. Renowned for its striking bluish-green columns, this plant offers more than aesthetic beauty. Traditionally utilized in folk medicine, its unique chemical properties provide therapeutic potential, making it a fascinating subject for ethnobotanical study.

Family
Cactaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Blue-Flame · Our-Father · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Cereus Geometrizans Var. Pugionifer · Cereus Pugionifer · 14 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Cereus geometrizans
  • Cereus pugioniferus
  • Myrtillocactus grandiareolatus
  • Myrtillocactus pugionifer
  • garambullo
  • padre nuestro

German:

  • Cereus geometrizans
  • Heidelbeerkaktus

French:

  • Chandelle bleue

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Caryophyllales and the family Cactaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Myrtillocactus.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Caryophyllales
Family Cactaceae
Genus Myrtillocactus

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Myrcollocactus geometrizans, exhibits a fascinating and wide-ranging geographical distribution. Within the country of Mexico, it can be found across several diverse regions including Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Gulf, and Mexico Northwest. Beyond the borders of North America, its presence extends remarkably far into Southwestern Europe. Specifically, it has been identified as growing within the territory of Spain. This extensive range demonstrates the species' ability to adapt to varied environmental conditions across different continents.

Region Area
Southwestern Europe Spain
Mexico Mexico Central
Mexico Mexico Northeast
Mexico Mexico Gulf
Mexico Mexico Northwest
Mexico Mexico Southwest

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Myrtillocactus geometrizans is characterized by a woody structure and a growth form classified as a shrub. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is entirely independent, lacking any parasitic behavior, and is structurally self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
shrub
Parasite :
independent
Woodiness :
woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Myrtillocactus geometrizans has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Chichipegenin, Macdougallin, Peniocerol.

Chemicals reported in Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Chichipegenin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Macdougallin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Peniocerol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Chichipegenin

  1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Macdougallin

  1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Peniocerol

  1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences