Xerophyte

Seeds

Black 5 mm Long.

Description

Peniocereus serpentinusSN|7249]]SN|7249]] is a fast-growing slender, shrubby columnar cactus that grows often in groups, erect at first sometimes climbing then leaning and sprawling all over and best tied to something so it wont fall and grow decumbent. It would be good for hanging baskets. This species is in need of taxonomic review as in Mexico it is recognized as a separate genus Nyctocereus; there is genetic evidence for this.

Roots

Large tuberose.

Flowers

When old enough it bears large, nocturnal flowers, they are funnelform, white with pinkish outside segments, 15 to 20 cm long (15 cm in diameter), pericarpel and flowers with bristles. The flowers are very fragrant, like gardenias.

Spines

9 to 14 needle-like spines, whitish to reddish when young, with darker tips, 10-30 mm long.

Ribs

10-17 obtuse.

Stem

Slender, snake-like, dark coloured, cylindrical, 3-6 meters long, 2,5-5 cm in diameter.

Fruits

4-6 cm long, red, egg-shaped, edible, spiny, with spines that fall when it is ripe.

Areoles

Whitish white wool.