Apple Cactus / Austrocylindropuntia Subulata (Eve's Needle Cactus)

🌵 Apple Cactus (Austrocylindropuntia subulata)

Also called Eve’s Needle Cactus or Peruvian Apple Cactus, this eye-catching plant comes from the Andes Mountains in South America — mainly Peru and Bolivia.

🌿 Quick Plant Facts

• Family: Cactus family (Cactaceae)

• Size: Grows like a small tree, up to 4 meters tall

• Stems: Green, ribbed, with curved leaves up to 12 cm

• Spines: Sharp, gray-white, grouped in small clusters

• Flowers: Bright orange, red, or yellow blooms in spring/summer

• Fruit: Edible, sweet, oval-shaped “cactus apples”

🌎 Where It Grows

• Native to: Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile

• Altitude: Found between 2,000–3,900 meters

• Habitat: Dry lands, rocky hills, and disturbed areas

• Invasive: Spreads aggressively in South Africa, East Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe

🌱 Growing & Caring Tips

• Soil: Use cactus mix or sandy soil that drains well

• Light: Loves full sun, but can handle some shade

• Water: Water rarely — let the soil dry out first

• Climate: Likes warmth; doesn’t handle frost well

• Propagation: Easy to grow from stem cuttings

⚠️ Safety Notes

• Glochids: Tiny spines that can irritate skin and are tough to remove

• Placement Tip: Keep away from paths and kids — it’s very spiky!

This cactus stands out with its bold look and tree-like shape — a true desert beauty!