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Epiphyllum hookeri (Britton & Rose) Ralf Bauer subsp. guatemalense
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Epiphyllum guatemalense |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Epiphytic cactus with stems that grow from 3-7 m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | This subspecies does not have true leaves. |
| Stems | Flattened stems are thick and fleshy and lobed along the margin. |
| Flowers | Large, white flowers (20 cm wide) open at night. The stigma is bright red and has a yellow, star-shaped tip. |
| Fruit | Fruits are red and oblong. |
| Habitat | Occurs in rainforests. |
| Cultivation | This species should be planted in a rich, fertile soil with excellent drainage. |
| Etymology | The genus 'Epiphyllum' means above the leaf in Greek and refers to the position of the flowers. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Moth Food Plant, Bat Food |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Flowering Opening Time | Night (dusk to dawn) |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
| Flower Size | 20 cm |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30851 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5221 |
| 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. |
