A spreading crown
The classical monograph describes strongly branched plants 1–3 m tall with a relatively stout, short trunk. Stems have 6–8 blunt ribs separated by shallow grooves. Short radial spines, grey to almost black, arise from the areoles. A central spine may be present and longer. The combination of a low crown, broad ribs and modest armament is useful for recognizing this species. [Britton and Rose 1920]
Flowers and red fruits
Flowers were described as remaining open at night and during the day. They are about 2.5 cm long and similarly wide. The pale green tepals may be tinged purple externally, while filaments and stigmas are white. Globose red fruits reach 12–18 mm in diameter in the monographic account. Their consumption and slightly acid taste were documented. These traits distinguish the fruit from the familiar dark purple garambullo of other species in the genus. [Britton and Rose 1920]
Name history and distribution
The original name Cereus cochal was later also treated as a variety of Cereus geometrizans. POWO currently accepts the distinct species Myrtillocactus cochal. Its native range is the Mexican Baja California peninsula in the desert and dry shrubland biome. The original description was associated with Todos Santos Bay. [Britton and Rose 1920] [2-WWW]
Conservation status
The IUCN assessment displayed by POWO assigns LC, Least Concern. It is an assessment of the species within its native range. [2-WWW]
Synonyms and names in the literature
Cereus cochal · Cereus geometrizans var. cochal [2-WWW]