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Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw.
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Epiphyllum grande, Epiphyllum acuminatum |
| Common Name: | Lady of the Night, Queen of the Night, Night blooming Cereus, Dutchman's-Pipe Cactus, Keng Hwa, 昙花, 琼花 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Maximum Height | 0.8 m to 1.4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico to Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Temperate Forest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Epiphytic cactus that grows up to 6 m tall in the wild. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | This species does not produce leaves. Instead, they produce modified stems that look like leaves and serve similar functions. |
| Stems | Flattened stems are composed of a thick, round midrib surrounded by fleshy wings that have a scalloped edge. |
| Flowers | Fragrant, star-shaped flowers (28 cm long, 13 cm wide) are composed of 25-30 white, linear petals. Flowers begin to open at 8-10PM, reach their maximum fullness at 12-3AM, and close before dawn. Flowering occurs infrequently, about 25 days after a significant drop in temperature. Flower buds are produced at the end of modified stems that look like leaves. They swell slightly several hours before blooming later at night. |
| Habitat | Found growing high in the canopy in rainforests and temperate forests. |
| Cultivation | Although it is a cactus, it prefers moist, but well-drained soil. The soil should not be allowed to dry out before re-watering. |
| Etymology | The genus 'Epiphyllum' means 'upon the leaf' which refers to their epiphytic nature and growth within the forest canopy. The specific epithet 'oxypetalum' refers to the pointed petal tips. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Flowers Medicinal: In Taiwan, the flowers are harvested at night and dried the next day. The flowers are boiled in soup and thought to be good for the skin. It is said that the plant can be used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis with cough, hemoptysis, uterine bleeding, and pharyngitis. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Flowers) (Night), Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Trellis / Arbour / Pergola, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
| Thematic Landscaping | Moonlight Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Moth Food Plant (Flower Nectar) |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Butterfly, Moth)) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division, Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Powdery / Waxy Bloom, Leathery |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Remarks | Lighter green with glossy texture |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Flowering Opening Time | Night (dusk to dawn) |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | 1 Night |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
References
| References | Polunin, Ivan. 2010. Plants and Flowers of Singapore. Malaysia: Marshall Cavendish Editions . |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 693 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1988 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
