PlantFiles: Baja Organ Pipe Cactus, Pitaya, Xoconostle
Stenocereus stellatus

I brought my cactus from Brownsville, South Texas to the New Orleans area 3 yrs ago. It thrived here. Height is 13 ft and 6 inches. It bloomed for the first time on July 28, 2005. It opened at night and only bloomed once. It was a big flower and beautiful. Now there are eight more buds coming out. The cactus doesn't seem to mind all the rain and is flourishing. The cooler climate hasn't affected it either. I have more pictures of it if anyone would like to view them. I planted it in a well-drained, sandy area next to the house. I did have to create a bracket for it to lean against. It has survived tropical storms and hurricanes.

This is cultivated for fruit. The photos [by me] are of one growing in zone 9a. here's a blossom in late September.

i lived for many years in mexico where the pitaya is a much prized plant. it blooms, and it gives fruit which when in season is very popular. i have seen people with huge baskets of them coming home from market during the season. i have never seen the flower but the fruit is dark purple. maybe you don't have enough heat and sun to make the plant bloom.

Attractive columnar cactus with very ornamental spines- stellate with a large central spine popping out of the middle. Sometimes branches down near the base. Supposedly a 10a plant, but have seen them in zone 9b... just not sure for how long.