Summary
The Creeping Devil cactus, found in Mexico, is a unique species with the ability to "walk" and reproduce indefinitely, allowing it to spread across the desert and live for up to a hundred years. Its distinctive caterpillar-like appearance gives it the nickname "Devil Worm."
Unique Characteristics
Officially named Stenocereus eruca, the Creeping Devil cactus is native to the Baja California Sur region of northwestern Mexico. It is the only cactus species in the world known to be mobile.
Unlike most cacti that grow vertically, the Creeping Devil grows horizontally along the ground. This unusual growth pattern allows it to escape isolation and travel across the desert in search of water.
The cactus's mobility stems from its remarkable ability to clone itself. As its stem grows along the ground, it develops roots at its tip. Once firmly rooted in the sandy soil, the older part of the stem dies, decaying and providing nutrients for the new growth. This process allows the cactus to gradually relocate over time.
Walking and Self-Sacrifice
In essence, the Creeping Devil must sacrifice part of itself to continue living. Under normal weather conditions, it can grow up to 0.6 centimeters per year, creating an impassable barrier of thorny stems. In drier conditions, its growth slows to just 0.6 centimeters per decade. A single Creeping Devil can live up to 100 years if left undisturbed.
Threats and Conservation
Despite its unique survival mechanism, the Creeping Devil is facing extinction threats. Its rarity has led to illegal harvesting. According to Alfredo Beltrán Morales, a researcher at the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, the street value of a Creeping Devil can range from $4,000 to $5,000.
In addition to poaching, the cactus's ground-level growth can interfere with cattle grazing and impede movement. As a result, farmers have cleared areas of Creeping Devil to make way for crops.
The Creeping Devil is currently listed as endangered in Mexico. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique and fragile desert dweller.