The stems are broad and flat, 1–5 cm broad, 3–5 mm thick, usually with lobed edges. The flowers are large, 8–16 cm diameter, white to red, with numerous petals. The fruit is edible, very similar to the pitaya fruit from the closely related genus Hylocereus, though not so large, being only 3–4 cm long. The broad-leaved epiphyllum (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is particularly well-known. It bears large, strongly fragrant flowers that bloom for a single night only. Epiphyllum species are added to some versions of the hallucinogenic drink ayahuasca.
The plants known as epiphyllum hybrids, epiphyllums or just epis, which are widely grown for their flowers, are artificial hybrids of species within the tribe Hylocereeae, particularly species of Disocactus, Pseudorhipsalis and Selenicereus. In spite of the common name, Epiphyllum species are less often involved.
This post is part of the Nature Footsteps Floral Macros meme,
and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme.
nice crop; have a good Tuesday
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Now that's some ruby red. Nice work. Happy Ruby Tuesday Too.
ReplyDeletewow, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shade of red!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome shade of red!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot!
ReplyDelete