Polaskia
Polaskia chichipe
Polaskia is a genus of flowering plants of the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The botanical name of the genus honors the American cactus enthusiast Charles Polaski ( 1898-1986 ).
Description
The tree-like, highly branched species of the genus Polaskia reach stature heights 4-5 meters and form 3 to 4 meters above the ground dense crowns. Their bright green shoots bifurcate repeatedly and are 1 to 2 feet long. The 7 to 12 fins are sharp triangular in cross section. On their edges wear these closely spaced 3 to 4 millimeters wide, peltate areoles. The central spine may be absent. The 3-8 radial spines are greyish to blackish.
The urns - to bell-shaped flowers are white to off- white to yellowish green. They open during the day and at night and are between 4 to 6 inches long.
The red, spherical fruits 2-4 cm in diameter are juicy and edible. The included therein small seeds are pear - to ovate and matt black.
Systematics and distribution
The genus Polaskia is widespread in the south of Mexico in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla. The first description of the genus was made in 1949 by Curt Backeberg.
The genus includes two species:
- Sponding Polaskia
- Polaskia chichipe
Synonyms of the genus are Chichipia Backeb. and Heliabravoa Backeb.