Origin

The species is native to the north of South America and possibly of a part of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago, Margarita), the lesser Antilles.

Historical background

OVIEDO & VALDEZ described the species in 1548.  CASTELLANOS found and described it in 1589 for Coro and the island of Margarita. LINNE described it as Cereus hexagonus in 1768 (VELEZ & VELEZ 1990).

Occurrence

The species is found wild in the hot regions and in the xerophytic formations along the coastal area of Venezuela. It is sometimes cultivated for its fruits or as an ornamental plant. The species is also found in Colombia and Ecuador.

Ethnobotanical and general use

Nutritional use

The fruits are usually eaten raw, or a drink or jam is prepared from them

Economical utilization
As an ornamental tree and as a living fence.

Medical use
The branches and the flowers are used in popular medicine.

Method of use
An infusion of the branches is applied to control inner haemorrhage.

Healing properties
The plant is used against toothache, for the eyes, for heart diseases and as a protection against strong sunlight. The healing properties are antiseptic, antiinflammatory, diuretic, emollient.

Chemical contents

Oleanolic acid, a lactone, proteins, fat, fiber, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, iron, phosphor, calcium, and 89-95% water (VELEZ & CHAVEZ 1980, see CORREA & BERNAL 1990, T. III).

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.