Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
creeping devil
Family Name:
Cactaceae
Botanical Name:
Stenocereus eruca
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Ste eru
Geographic Origin:
Mexican Desert
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The creeping devil is only found on the central Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, in Mexico. It can only survive on sandy soils (1). The cactus lays flat on the ground, and grows at one end while the opposite end dies. New roots develop on the underside of the stem. This allows the plant to travel over time, albeit very slowly, which gave it the name ‘creeping devil.’ Similarly, its specific epithet ‘eruca’ means ‘caterpillar,’ and also describes its odd growth habit (4).
Cultivation Notes:
In order for this plant to grow properly, full sun exposure is required. It is drought tolerant and needs little water, but is generally not very cold hardy. A suitable area for its cultivation would be in Southern California (3). Additionally, it can propagate through woody stem cuttings and softwood cuttings. Time must be allowed for the cut surface to callous over before it can be planted (3). Propagation by seed is also an option, but the fruit must be very overripe before the seed can be harvested (3).
Ethnobotany:
The creeping devil is succulent, and said to contain mescaline and sterols (5). Mescaline is known for its hallucinogenic effects, but could potentially be used medically to treat alcoholism and depression (6). Historically, Native Americans in Mexico have used this alkaloid for the past 5700 years for religious ceremonies (6). However, studies on the therapeutic effects are extremely limited, because mescaline is a Schedule 1 controlled substance and is highly illegal to possess (6). In regards to animals, Stenocereus eruca is resistant to deer, most likely due to its spines and sharp edges (3). This characteristic, along with its hallucinogenic component, might similarly fend off other animal predators, and therefore not provide them with any benefits.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Winter
Color:
Green
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Low water Use
