Mexican Gian Cardoon
Pachycereus pringlei

Family: Cactaceae

Pachycereus pringlei is the tallest known cactus in the world, with one specimen reaching a height of 63 feet, though they typically reach 20-30 feet at maturity. The almost resemble saguaros, but with many more branches, and typically they will branch from much lower positions, their trunks below the first branches being much shorter than saguaros. In March, typically on the tops of the large stems, yellow buds open up into white flowers for only one night per flower. The flowering season lasts several weeks. Following flowers, edible red fruits 2 inches wide form. The flower buds and the fruits almost look fuzzy, covered with soft spines.

Plant in full sun. Low water is required for this species, but a few waterings a month in summer will keep plants looking good. Mature plants can resist cold snaps down to 25°F but new growth should be protected. Younger plants should be protected from frost.

The flowers are pollinated by bats and moths, though many species will take advantage of the floral nectar and pollen. Fruits are edible to people and birds and other animals and insects.

This plant’s former distribution was much wider, but humans have destroyed much of the habitat where Mexican cardoons once thrived. Climate change seems also to be causing a decline in cardoon populations. Much like the saguaro in the Arizona Uplands of the Sonoran Desert, the Mexican cardoon was a very important plant to the indigenous people of the region.

Native to northwestern Mexico, in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora.

Photo by Mark Fishbein, iNaturalist