What is "escontria"

Escontria is a genus of cactus. The only species is Escontria chiotilla, the chiotilla or jiotilla. The species originates from Mexico ( Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, southern Puebla).

This is a tree-like cactus, up to 7 metres tall. It has 7 or 8 acute ribs, and very close or confluent areoles. It bears dark red fruit comparable in appearance and texture to Pitaya, but smaller (3,5 cm).