Polaskia chichipe, commonly called Chichipe, Chichibe, Chichituna, and Chichitun, the name primarily used in the Spanish language. P. chichipe is a perennial columnar flowering plant belonging to the cactus family of Cactaceae. Polaskia chichipe is endemic to central Mexico in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley at elevations of 5250-7546 feet above sea level. P. chichipe is a tree-like cactus that grows up to 16½ feet tall, usually growing as a solitary stem that readily branches as the plant matures. The ribs are a powdery grayish green and wavy. The areoles are covered with short gray spines that tend to shed with maturity. Ribs often display red coloration during winter/cold periods. Flowers form an open cup with pinkish-white or greenish-yellow flowers. Commonly misidentified as a Stenocereus species, this cactus usually has 9-12 ribs (depending on age and genetics) and is highly sought after for its red edible fruit that are 1 inch in length. Flowers occur between March and June, and produce fruit between June and August in its natural habitat. Polaskia chichipe is grown as an ornamental and food crop. P. chichipe thrives in full sun to partial shade, it also requires regular watering through summer/hot seasons and is reduced towards winter. USDA plant hardiness zone 9a-11b.
Polaskia chichipe seeds require consistent moisture and humidity but soil should not be soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain moisture are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well draining sterilized potting mix. Seeds should be sown on top of potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or potting mix. Germinating pots should be kept indoors out of extreme light and heat. Ideal temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F Germination should take 1-4 weeks. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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