Polaskia is a genus of two tree-like cactus species, placed in the Cactaceae family. It is named after the American amateur botanist, Charles Polaski. Both species grows to 5 meters in height. Both present primitive characteristics, but Polaskia chichipe is nearer to Myrtillocactus while Polaskia chende is nearer to Stenocereus. The genus is found in the Southern Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. They are columnar cacti which branches as it ages with many branches on a short trunk. Stems are ribbed with fairly shallow spaces between ribs. Areoles are spaced 2 or 3 cm apart along the ribs. Spines are short and stout, numbering 8-10 radials and one central. Spines may not be present at all – especially on mature plants. Flowers are widely-opened cups of pinkish white or yellow-green – with or without spines. The fruits are small fleshy berries. They are considered fairly easy to grow and germinate freely from seed. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden structural height or as potted plants on a sunny patio. Either way you are assured of many years of joy.

Polaskia chichipe is a columnar cactus, cultivated for its edible fruits known as Chichituna, Chichipe or Chichibe. It is also grown for its valuable branches which, when dried make excellent fuel wood. Plants under cultivation have larger and sweeter fruits and a much longer period of fruit production. The flowers are self-compatible so you would only need one plant for it to produce fruits. Polaskia chichipe is a columnar tree-like cactus with many curved branches, up to 5 m tall. It has a few taxonomic synonyms including Cereus chichipe, Lemaireocereus chichipe, Myrillocactus chichipe, Cereus mixtecensis and Lemaireocereus mixtecensis. Give it good drainage and use open and free draining mineral compost that allows the roots to breath. They like only a short winter’s rest and should be kept almost completely dry during the winter months. If the soil is allowed to be dry for too long root loss could occur but equally the same result would transpire if the plants are both wet and cold. From spring onwards the plant will begin to grow and watering should be increased gradually until late spring when the plant should be in full growth.