Harrisia fragrans – endemic Florida cactus (Fl only – no shipping)

Description

*Harrisia fragrans- the fragrant, or Indian River prickly apple, is a columnar shrub cactus endemic to East Coast Florida in St. Lucie and Volusia Counties, plus the Everglades https://cactusislandacres.com/mega-bloom-video-fragrant-prickly-apple/.  Nearly driven to extinction from land development, it is found primarily in shell mound berms within coastal hammocks.  It has bright green skin and long yellow-amber needles with large white flowers and bright red fruit.  The flower hypanthium, pericarpel and sepals are pale greenish with red-brown accents.  It prefers the partial shade of subtropical palm and tree understory, hardy down to 25F.  I’m proud to say that in the nearly four years I’ve grown both endangered species of Florida Harrisia, I now have them firmly in cultivation with lots of fruit, seeds, plants and enthusiastic Florida gardeners who are providing them sanctuary.  ***This species is federally protected, so I can only sell these in Florida to other Florida residents*** (no shipping – by appointment or personal delivery on large orders only). The seeds from which I’ve grown these plants were bought from a longtime, reputable major cactus seed dealer with a large old collection of mature cacti – not wild-harvested or poached, and now my plants are generating seeds.  It is uncommon in cultivation. Harrisia fragrans has grown well for me in commercial cactus soil mix with added perlite and composted cow manure. Large plants $30-$50, small $20 in 4in. pots.

I also cultivate Harrisia aboriginum – the West Coast prickly apple, which has short white needles and yellow fruit – not to be confused with H. fragrans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuY_rUIbgUY.