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Epiphyllum anguliger (Lem.) G.Don
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Epiphyllum darrahii |
| Common Name: | Fishbone Cactus, Ric Rac Orchid Cactus, Ric-Rac Cactus, Zig-Zag Cactus |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Weeping / Pendulous |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m to 0.8 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.6 m to 0.9 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southwestern Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Epiphytic cactus with a trailing growth habit. It grows up to 0.9-1.2 m long. |
|---|---|
| Stems | Flattened stems have deep, rounded lobes that alternate on either side of the stem to produce a zigzag effect. |
| Flowers | Large, trumpet-shaped flowers (8 cm wide) have a lemon-like scent. They are mostly white with orange to bronze sepals and petals behind. Flowers open at night and last for 2-3 days. |
| Habitat | This species is endemic to rainforests in Nayarit and Jalisco (southwest Mexico) at altitudes from 0-914 m. |
| Cultivation | This species grows best in a humid environment. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap |
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 |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| 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 | Trumpet-shaped, Stellate / Star-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30857 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5227 |
| 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. |
