Description

• Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, commonly known as Indian comb cactus or hairbrush cactus, is a large, columnar cactus in the family Cactaceae. It develops a thick, upright, branching trunk with prominent ribs lined with clusters of spines. The spines can be long and robust, with shorter, fine spines near the growing tips. Mature plants produce large, funnel-shaped, whitish flowers, often opening at night and attracting nocturnal pollinators such as bats and moths. The flowers develop into fleshy fruits covered with dense bristles or spines. The fruits and other parts of the plant have traditional uses among Indigenous communities in parts of Mexico.

Range

• Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is native to western Mexico, particularly the Pacific coastal region and adjacent inland areas. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• This cactus grows in seasonally dry tropical forests, thorn scrub, rocky slopes, and other arid to semi-arid habitats. It favours sunny, exposed sites with well-drained soils and tolerates prolonged dry periods. It is an important structural component of dry landscapes, providing flowers and fruits for wildlife and nesting or perching sites for some birds.