Wow!! What kind of cactus is the one with the flowers? Does it bloom all year long or only in certain months?
great pictures!
I don't know any of the answers. Someone here might, I hope. I'd like to know what the snake like cactus is called. It was on the road connecting Ital Rest to the main road by Taino Cove.
The cactus blooms at nights only, and that particular one was know as dildo
I love these pictures; as one born & bred in Ja I have never seen these cacti in bloom, maybe I am just not nocturnal, however, the fact that it may be known locally as "dildo" makes the mind boggle if not the body wince.
Poor old me inocently walked into my co-workers office when I first moved to the states and she had a cactus plant on her I desk. So I said what a nice little dildo you have! and she said what?? I said the dildo and pointed to the plant I was laughed to scorn and given a lesson. Imagine how humiliated I was.
That was so funny Uncle Peter - I don't know if I am the only one who found your writing very amusing! I am still laughing i.e. surely a pun.
Yes, the first two pics are the dildo plants. When we were kids we used to eat the yellow fruits that are usually borne on these plants. I remember the taste to this day as it really is a distinct one. I am not sure if the kids nowadays eat them still.
I know the birds love them,and I was told that anything birds eat are not poisonous for us - I wouldn't be eathing worms though (haha).
The other cactus is a running type which I don't believe bears any edible fruits. I remembered there was another one we used to eat which has a very deep red colour inside and which I am told if we swallowed a certain part it could be very harmful for us - even kill us! Does anyone know what I am talking about? This cactus grew very close to the ground - similar to the 'siphipole' (spelling).
How could I forget the 'pople head' we used to eat this one too(pinkish fruit). These are dug up and used a lot by persons in their home gardens. Very fascinating indeed!
The snake looking cactus is locally known as Bine pear but is known in the U.S as Cactus pear.It can be quite expensive too.The cactus pear is pear shaped and red in color but the Dildo is yellow and round.In days gone by it was referred to as 'Pedro mango' because of it's color.
The snake looking cactus is a variety of night blooming cereus.
TB has many valuable cacti. As I posted a while back, some of us used to collect different types of cactus fruit for lunch from a grove that has now been cut down for the view.
Nopal or dildo is well known and used extensively in Mexico as food and medicine.
Check: http://www.mexgrocer.com/50048.html
And: http://www.naturalnews.com/021626_blood_sugar_nopal_diabetes.html
Thanks for the lovely pics Jeannie.
You're right about the Bine Pear Pedro Peeps. Someone in my neighbourhood cultivates their entire yard with them. I think it's a great idea in these economic times. The plants are supported by fence posts planted about 8 ft apart. This would be a great idea for someone in TB to try.
Cactus lover, I think the cactus you referred to as "harmful to us" is locally called pimpla (another one there Uncle Peter!). It blooms a beautiful yellow flower before bearing fruit. This fruit has a strong yed juice which stains your fingers.Inside of it is a compact ball of thorns that you have to eat around very carefully.
Hi Turey do you know if cactus is avaiabale in Canada? thank you for the info.
Cactus Lover the cactus you are talking about is the Pimpla.
Hi Just Checking, I'm sure various varieties are available in Canada. Check your local yellow pages for plant sellers. The plants would need a greenhouse situation come winter but should do fine outdoors otherwise.
I was surprised that British Columbia, so far north, has a cactus.
Jeannie, did you happen to see any 'old man beard' during your various pix taking sessions?
I don't know what "old man beard" is. Let me know and I'll see if I have any pictures.
Old Man's Beard, if I am correct, is only found in more humid areas on the Island; the Pedro Plains are a bit too arid but you will certainly see it in places like YS.
Pedro Peeps you are truly a TB native! It's the pimpla - thanks for reminding me. Thanks also Weldon!
Jeanneb old man beard is a parasite plant which grows on anything it is on. It only grows on it for support. You will see them on electric wires mainly.
There are cactus native to Point Pelle in southern ontario all the way up here in Canada. I have one in my yard and they are common bloom bright yellow flowers every spring.