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The name Machærocereus
signifies dagger cereus with reference to the long
central spines that are knife-like, flat, and much wider than the
others
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This cactus's
stems lie on the ground and grow at one end while the other end
slowly dies. Over the years, the plant will travel slowly that way.
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Description:
Prostrate stems except for their slightly raised tips. They grow
about up to 3 m long, 4-8 cm in diameter and take root as they creep,
ramifying further and eventually covering a huge area. Sometimes plants
separate from the parent stem and spread out around it, leaving it to
die. Stems have 12
ribs; large
areoles, 2 cm apart; 1
central and flat spine much wider than the others, 3 cm long, and
around 20 light grey or whitish
radials of unequal length. Outer ones are short and
subulate; inner ones are larger and flat.
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Cultivation: This plant, which is seldom cultivated, needs very
sandy soil and should be placed in a
semiprostrate position so that it may creep.
Propagation: Propagation is
usually by
cuttings or seed
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Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and
cultivars of Macharocereus eruca.
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Family:
Cactaceae (Cactus
Family)
Synonyms:
- Cereus eruca Brandegee
- Machaerocereus eruca (Brandegee)
Britton and Rose
- Stenocereus eruca (Brandegee)
A.C.Gibson & K.E.Horak
- Lemaireocereus eruca
- Rathbunia eruca
Vernacular names:
Creeping Devil Cactus, Chirinole, Caterpillar Cactus
Origin:
Endemic of Magdalena Island and Llano de la Magdalena, Baja
Caifornia
Habitat: On sandy plains and coastal
sand dunes
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The 'creeping devil' of the Baja California has the
unique
habit of growing horizontally and rooting in the ground, making it
seem to move across the desert like an enormous caterpillar.
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Cultivation and Mail Sale 
