Characteristics - The mandacaru cereus is a rarely cultivated fruit bearer but is abundant in its natural habitat, eastern and northeastern Brazil. It is found mainly in the semi-arid region of the northeast. It is a tree-like succulent, 4-12 m tall. The trunk is short and well defined ; cilindrical stems (cladodium) with 4-10 ribs, branch out from it.The branches have areoles spaced 2-4cm apart with a variable number of spines, 1-4 central and 7-12 radial per areole. Flowers are solitary, nocturnal, androgynous, forming in the Spring. The fruits are berries, dehiscent via longitudinal openings. They contain a farinaceous, succulent pulp with a slightly, sweet flavor.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state and greatly enjoyed locally.

Propagation - Generally propagated with cuttings (segments of cladodium).