Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
March 17, 2008 — Vasant M. SalianDutchman’s Pipe Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), also known as Orchid Cactus, is a large epiphytic cactus native from Mexico to Brazil. It is by far the most popular and widely cultivated species from this genus of cacti. Orchid cactus blooms at night, since the flowers are predominantly pollinated by bats and large moths. They have large white star-like flowers to help their pollinators locate the blossoms by moon or star light, and many have very lovely fragrances. Pure white flowers, the size of a dinner plate, open as soon as the sun goes down and stay open all night, closing in the morning.
Orchid cacti are at the pinnacle of cactus evolution, having left the mundane process of growing on the ground and moved into the treetops to exploit that unique environment - the same one occupied by many orchids. Epiphyllum oxypetalum is propagated by stem cutting, division of larger plants, and from seed when available.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Caryophyllales
Family : Cactaceae
Genus : Epiphyllum
Species : Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Pronunciation/Meaning:
- Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ay) - The Cactus family.
- Epiphyllum (ep-ih-FYE-lum) - Upon the leaf, referring to the flowers appearing to bloom on the leaves.
- oxypetalum (oks-ee-PET-al-um) - Sharp petals.
Common Names:
- Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus, Queen of the Night, Night Blooming Cereus, Orchid Cactus, Jungle Cactus
Links:
- Flowers of India - Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus
- Plant of the week - Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus
- Top Tropicals - Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus
Image Courtesy of Yoel Yaron.
