Xerophyte

Similar Species

Harrisia bonplandiiSN|8551]]SN|8551]] differs from Harrisia martiniiSN|8539]]SN|8325]] by its areoles with 4–6 (not 1–3), much longer radial spines 5–20 mm long, and scales of the perianth tube woolly in the axils.

Note

It has been argued that this name should be rejected in favour of Harrisia balansaeSN|8539]]SN|8108]], but no formal proposal has been has been made, Hunt & al. (2006). Leuenberger (2001) wrote a detailed history of the name and recommended to maintain the use of H. bonplandii. Its modern application appears to be consistent and widely accepted.

Flowers

White, nocturnal, funnelform,15 to 22(-25) cm long, closing soon after sunrise. Outer perianth segments green, pink-tipped. Pericarpel and corolla tube filled with large persistent scales copiously woolly in the axils. Filaments numerous, borne almost to the base of the tube. Style included; stigma-lobes numerous.

Spines

4-6 (or rarely more), acicular, the longest 0.5–2(-4) cm long, when young red and often black-tipped, in age grey. The single strong central spine (if present) is up to 2.5-3 centimetres long.

Stem

Slender and weak, some erect or clambering and reaching 1–1.5 m, the other procumbent, arching or trailing on the ground up to 2.5-3 meters long, or, 3 to 8 cm in diameter, strongly (3-)4-angled. The margins are sharp and wavy.

Fruits

Edible, globular, and strongly tuberculate, 4 to 6 cm in diameter, red, bearing large scales with hairs in their axils, spineless, splitting on the side and exposing the white flesh and black seeds.

Areoles

2 cm apart.