Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Species:
oxypetalum
ID:
670871

Status:
valid

Authors:
(DC.) Haw.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1829

Citation Micro:
in Philos. Mag. Ann. Chem. 6: 109. 1829.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000670203

Common Names

  • Sharp-petaled Epiphyllum
  • Sharp-petaled Orchid Cactus
  • Sharp-petaled Leaf Cactus

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Synonyms

  • Phyllocactus guyanensis Brongn. ex Labour. [unknown]
  • Phyllocactus latifrons (Zucc. ex Pfeiff.) Link ex Walp. [unknown]
  • Cactus oxypetalus Moc. & Sessé ex DC. [unknown]
  • Cereus latifrons Zucc. ex Pfeiff. [unknown]
  • Cereus oxypetalus DC. [unknown]
  • Epiphyllum acuminatum K.Schum. [unknown]
  • Epiphyllum grande (Lem.) Britton & Rose [unknown]
  • Epiphyllum latifrons (Zucc. ex Pfeiff.) Pfeiff. [unknown]
  • Epiphyllum oxypetalum purpusii (Weing.) Backeb. [unknown]
  • Epiphyllum purpusii (Weing.) F.M.Knuth [unknown]
  • Phyllocactus grandis Lem. [unknown]
  • Phyllocactus acuminatus (K.Schum.) K.Schum. [unknown]
  • Phyllocactus purpusii Weing. [unknown]
  • Phyllocactus oxypetalus (DC.) Link ex Walp. [unknown]

Description

Epiphyllum oxypetalum (also called Queen of the Night, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. It has long, slender stems with large, star-shaped flowers. It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants and trees in its native habitat.

Uses & Benefits

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as skin diseases.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Epiphyllum oxypetalum has small, white flowers with four petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and delicate.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a tropical cactus that can be grown in a container or in the ground. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry. Propagation is done by stem cuttings or division of the plant.

Where to Find Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is native to Mexico and Central America.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum FAQ

What is the ideal temperature for Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much light does Epiphyllum oxypetalum need?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum needs bright, indirect light.

How often should I water Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,

References

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1778-1841): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'DC.' in the authors string.
Adrian Hardy Haworth (1767-1833): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Haw.' in the authors string.