Garambullo Myrtillocactus geometrizans

knowing Mexico

Garambullo: Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Reproduction Weather Varieties

Life cycle Distribution

Uses

Lon&Queta (s.f) Flowering Garambullo cactus - flor de garambullo (Myrtillocactus). [Picture]. Obtained 30/03/2021 from: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/213ec318-124a-489d-8df6-60396e152ac0 (Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Garambullo Group: 622 Team 7 Team members: -Paniagua Olivares Erubiel -Orta Jimenez Kimberly Wendolyn -Alvarez Suarez Omar Fernando (Team Leader) -Cruz Gomez Monserrat Name of professors: Rocío José Jacinto (Biology V) Ma. Del Lucero Ramírez Piedras (English VI)

INDEX 04 05 07

Scientific name Life cycle Reproduction Weather

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Distribution in Mexico Varieties How is it commercialized?

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Statistics of production and consumption Biopiracy, certificate of origin and unfair competition issues Recipe using Garambullo Suggestions to motivate and increase its consumption Reference sources

Sc entific

name

Garambullo is a tree-like cactus plant that features small white or pale pink flowers. The species grows sweet, small red or purple fruits that resemble grapes and are popular treats in Mexico.

Scientifically known as the Myrtillocactus geometrizans, it is considered a hardy plant.

Similarly the garambullo is better known in Mexico, Myrtillocactus, “Padre Nuestro” or “Quisco”.

Description of the garambullo Its flowers are from two to

three

centimetres

long; during anthesis, they are olive green with purplish or dark, bright

green

Garambullo

tinges. fruit

is

sweet and small, red or purple in color and can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes.

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wallygrom (s.f) Myrtillocactus geometrizans [Image] Obtained 30/03/2021 from: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/bc783753-bed9-4036-a16533eca544b03c (Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

ife cycle Although the garambullo plant grows slowly (approximately 6 cm per year), it has a life span of more than 50 years. It can be easily propagated and its fruit is a source of a large number of properties exploited almost exclusively by indigenous and local communities

Germination

Generally, the germination of this plant occurs in the presence of sufficient water and warm temperatures when the seeds of Myrtillocactus geometryzans are distributed by the birds, which are attracted by the fruit that this plant produces. Then when the pulp has been eaten by the birds, usually the seeds are discarded, which consequently causes the seed to reach the ground and germinate

Vegetative growth

When several months have passed after germination has occurred, the basic shape of the barrel of this plant begins to emerge, which will do in a slow and a small way. Then when approximately 6-8 years have elapsed and it reaches its flowering size, approximately (45 cm) since they grow 6 cm a year, the next process starts. It is the flowering.

Flowering

The flowering stage of this plant generally occurs in the spring because, at this time, the temperatures are warm enough, and favor flowering. Although it will depend on its habitat and its age, as well as whether there has been rain or not.

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Pollination

Once flowering has taken place, pollination can begin, causing the pollen to be deposited on the flower by some external factors. There is then the reproduction of this plant, which will later generate fruits and in biological terms will prolong its species. During this process, several pollinators can participate, among them we can mention: bees, beetles, butterflies, birds and bats.

FRUIT GENERATION

Once pollination has taken place, the fruits begin to emerge, which are commonly berry-shaped, that means it's similar to a grape but smaller.

Its pulp color looks like a mixture of purple and blue and it has a sweet taste also the seed is inside the fruit. According to people who have tasted the garambullo, they mention that it has a flavor similar to the tuna, a fruit that is also an alternate species of the cactus. aging

Once the garambullo has reached its final height (approx 4-6 m in the wild) it will begin to produce fewer and fewer flowers, as well as fruit. Then the aging process will begin to occur slowly, until there is a point where the base of the plant is so weak and dry that it no longer supports the weight of the whole plant and then it will finally give way.

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Nieto, L. (s.f) Garambullo en flor. [Picture] Obtained 30/03/2021 from: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/60393e6e-134d-4cde-bdd3f9310084ddff (Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).

Reproduction According to the germplasm banks, the reproduction can be asexual or sexual where the asexual is through stakes, cuttings, buds etc. Instead, in the sexual it is done through seeds. Therefore, considering this concept, the garambullo reproduces sexually producing flowers and seeds.

The flowering of Garambullo takes place in the spring. It is susceptible to cold, being the most suitable temperature for this species during the winter of 10°C maximum.

Weather The environment where the garambullo plant lives is terrestrial and it is found in the wild in desert areas, mainly in areas of the north of our country and central part.

The sites where the species are distributed, have a dry arid, semi-warm climate, with a marked rainy season in the summer, where the average annual rainfall is between 380 and 450 mm. Its average temperature throughout the year is 21.2°.

It’s a specie that adapts to a dry climate and tolerates direct solar radiation in summer as it has the capacity to store large amounts of water. So it can withstand long periods without receiving irrigation and is susceptible to frost.

"sergioniebla" (s.f) Garambullo [Picture] Obtained 30/03/2021 from: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/3a9db823-a50b-4fb5-a624b1978924f2cb (Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Distributi n It is an arborescent or bushy succulent plant that grows across 12 different states in Central Mexico. It is found high above sea level (between 2300-2700m). It grows from two to eight metres in height and has grey spines. Garambullo cacti helps in controlling soil erosion and filtering rainwater; they have a high degree of adaptation to weather change and provide food and shelter to wild fauna.

In Mexico, it is distributed in the following states: Aguascalientes, Baja California, Sonora, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Estado de México, Michoacán, Morelos, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas.

It is also cultivated in Central America.

Naturalista (s.f) Garambullo [Map] Obtained 30/03/2021 from: https://www.naturalista.mx/taxa/274227-Myrtillocactusgeometrizans

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Varieties Although it was mentioned the variety Myrtillocactus geometrizans graendolata variety, there is no information about it. However, we found a variation of the mytilicotus that is Myrtillocactus schenckii Some Myrtillocactus schenckii grow in stout shapes with short, wide trunks.

Though many of the plants feature an olive-green color, some can have a frosted blue appearance. The copious Fernández, D. (2014) Garambullo Blanco [Picture] Obtained 31/03/2021 from: spines on the plant may present a https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/916539 Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 danger for children or pets; planters should use caution while handling or planting the cactus.

How is it comercialized The garambullo is little commercialized and poorly exploited. Its fruit should be industrialized for its application in food products because of its high protein content, as well as batalainas, antioxidants and hypoglycemic effects.

As a food, the fruits are most often used in preparation of traditional foods, such as empanadas and jellies. Candy, popsicles, and other treats can also be made from Garambullo fruit as well.

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Sugar is typically not needed when using this fruit in cooking. As the fruit is considered less tasty than comparable fruits by many people, some growers prefer to use them simply as cattle fodder. These fruits stain clothing on contact, and the juice marks can be very difficult to remove.

Because it is a small period in which it is produced, the product is regularly marketed in public streets and municipal markets, derived from the collection that the same food merchants in the countryside carry out.

Statistic of production and consumption The garambullo is being little commercialized and exploited because only 30% of the production is used in the elaboration of jams, raisins, pallets, desserts and soft drinks in a handmade way. and 70% of the total production is consumed directly.

According to Topete (2006), at each fruiting point, 6 to 7 fruits are formed.

25,000 to 30,000 fruits per season are produced by a single plant; under natural conditions 70 plants are found per hectare. Its great disadvantage is the short post-harvest life of its fruit, as it is harvested at maturity for consumption.

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Fonseca, J.C. (s.f) Nieve de garambullo de Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato.

[Picture] Obtained 31/03/2021 from: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/833f0d4a-2e76-4eb8-b14f6c0d6eb68ab7 Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Biopiracy, certificate of origin and unfair competition issues There are no problems related to biopiracy, unfair competition or certificate of origin at the time this article is done. This plant and its fruits, it is not a sector that is highly exploited.

At least, in the place where the authors of this article live, it is very rare to find this plant, not to say almost impossible. Then, when is time to go to the supermarket, it is not normal that we find fruits of garambullo , because it is not very common and generally is not as famous as apples, banana, mango, melon, orange and some other fruits.

Besides of not being so exploited, it is a little difficult to eat them fresh, because when the fruits are harvested, they usually begin to get rotten in 2 days. This is, a fact that plays an important role that complicates the transport and marketing of this product. Something that has been done to sell it in big amounts by the producers, is to take the garambullo fruit an dehydrate it to convert it in something similar to raisins and sell it as well.

However, despite how good it is, it remains a source of economics and food that remains a little in the shadows. At the moment, it is little known and even somewhat strange almost considered as gourmet food so there are almost no limiters or something like that.

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Recipe using

Garambullo

The tortitas de flor de garambullo are a traditional dish in the state of Hidalgo, especially in the Valle del Mezquital area, where these cacti abound in spring season give small edible and nutritious flowers.

Ingredients: -3 cups of fresh garambullo flower -3 pieces of Egg - ½ piece of Onion -1 clove garlic -½ cup oil -1 pinch of salt -1 pinch of Pepper Steps: Wash the garambullo flowers.

Then, drain the water and reserve a moment.

Chop the onion, peel and slice the garlic.

Add the onion to the cleaned garambullo flowers, add the egg pieces, mix everything and add a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper.

Put the oil to heat in a pan and once it is hot add the two halves of garlic and let them brown for 1 minute.

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Take a large spoonful of the garambullo flower mixture and place it in the hot oil, let it brown first on one side, then turn it over and let it finish browning completely.

Once ready, remove from the oil and place them on absorbent paper to remove any excess fat that they may have.

"CRYSCOCINA" (2017) Tortitas de flor de garambullo [Picture] Obtained 30/03/2021 from: https://cryscocina.com/2017/03/17/tortitas-de-flor-degarambullo/

Suggestions to motivate and increase its consumption Fruits of the Garambullo cactus are spineless, and are often eaten or used as medicinal treatments. Some claim that the fruits may heal wounds inflicted by stingrays.

Another popular use of the fruit is in a tea imbibed to help provide relief from stomach pains, such as ulcers.

Fermented garambullo fruit has been tested for potential toxicity. No significant harmful effects have been found as of yet.

Once the fruit of garambullo has been dehydrated, different by-products can be generated for marketing, such as raisins with flavor toppings, jam, among others.

Garambullo fruits can also be dehydrated by implementing dryers (solar or electric), controlling drying conditions in order to obtain quality fruits and preserve as much as possible the antioxidant compounds present in the garambullo.

Although it is a fruit not too commercialized, there is a sector where possibly could be well accepted by the public, the thing that we are talking about is wine.

It has been demonstrated by scientist that it can be produced from the fermented juices of garambullo It’s a source of antioxidants that protect the body from cancer, premature aging and cardiovascular disease.

Garambullos is rich in vitamin C. It helps prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's, Nieto, L. (s.f) Garambullo [Picture] Obtained 03/04/2021 from: hyperactivity and fatigue. https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/ 0ff1463f-0bb5-4051-b29b-b7f1da4d4736 Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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Reference

Sources

Comisión Nacional para el conocimiento y el uso de la biodiversidad (CONABIO) 2020. Mytrillocacctus Geometryzans ¿qué es?. obtained 27/03/2021 from: https://enciclovida.mx/especies/143953-myrtillocactusgeometrizans Conservación y restauración de cactaceas.Secretaría de medio ambiente y recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) 2021, obtained 27/03/2021 from:geometryzanshttps://www.conafor.gob.mx/biblioteca/Manual_Practico-Conservacionyrestauracioncactaceas_suculentas.pdf Hernandez, M. (2017) Receta de Tortitas de flor de garambullo. Obtained 27/03/01 from: https://www.recetasgratis.net/receta-de-tortitas-de-flor-de-garambullo-60667.html Jardín.P (2020) Myrtillocactus geometrizans: cuidados y características (Garambullo, Candelabro azul o Padrenuestro). obtained 27/03/2021 from: https://jardinpostal.com/myrtillocactus-geometrizans-cuidados-ycaracteristicas-garambullo-candelabro-azul-opadrenuestro#:~:text=El%20Garambullo%20es%20un%20cactus,adecuados%20y%20no%20crecer%C3% A1%20tanto.

(INIFAP) (2020) Los diferentes usos del Garambullo.obtained 27/03/2021 from:https://cienciasforestales.inifap.gob.mx/index.php/noticias/157-los-diferentes-usos-del-garambullo Brunoticias(2021) El garambullo, una fruta nutritiva y mexicana. Obtained 27/03/01 from: https://www.brunoticias.com/garambullo-una-fruta-mexicana-nutritiva-saludable/ Topete, R. (2006) Caracterización química y evaluación del efecto hipoglucemiante y antioxidante del fruto del garambullo. Obtained 27/03/01 from: https://silo.tips/download/queretaro-maestria-en-ciencia-ytecnologia-de-los-alimentos SAGARPA (2010). Manual para la cosecha y beneficios para la semilla cactanea. Obtained 24/03/2021 from: http://www.inifapcirne.gob.mx/Biblioteca/Publicaciones/869.pdf Sonia Yesenia (2016). El garambullo, un recurso natural poco explotado para la obtención de fito moléculas biológicamente activas. Obtained 24/03/2021 from:http://www.actaquimicamexicana.uadec.mx/?p=265 Osorio Alexis (2016).Garambullo “Myrtillocactus geometrizans”. Obtained 25/03/2021 from: http://reservadelabiosferaprepa3.blogspot.com/2016/05/garambullo-myrtillocactus-geometrizans.html SENADO (2016) Garambullo como recurso natural. Obtained 25/03/2021 from: https://www.senado.gob.mx/comisiones/medio_ambiente/docs/puntos/PA216-EXP2658.pdf Ramírez León (2017). El comportamiento fisiológico postcosecha de garambullo Obtained 26/03/2021 from: https://www.uaq.mx/investigacion/difusion/veranos/memorias-2007/31_6UAQCoronaMartinez.pdf Moreno Virginia (2012) Tesis de la elaboracion de vino de garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) Obtained 25/03/2021 from: http://repositorio.uaaan.mx:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/509/62425s.pdf? sequence=1#:~:text=El%20garambullo%20cuyo%20nombre%20cient%C3%ADfico,)%2C%20de%20la%20f amilia%20cact%C3%A1cea.