Xerophyte

Description

Christmas cactus Schlumbergera truncataSN|2948]]SN|2948]] is a much branched cascading epiphyte, also knows as crab's claw cactus up to 30 cm tall before weeping and 30-45 cm in diameter. The individual flattened, spineless joints of these popular cacti form arching, pendulous branches from whose tips hang satiny, zygomorphic flowers that ranges in colour from red to pink, purple, orange, white or multicolour, with yellow pollen, white filaments, and terete ovaries.

Stem Segments

Truncate, 4-6 cm long, 1.5-3.5 cm broad, flattened leaf-like dark and glossy dark green with two teeth at the apex and small 2-3 toothed (pointed), marginal notches on each side.

Flowers

Zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), borne slightly above the horizontal both at the stem joints as well as at the stem ends, hooded, tubular 6.5-8(-12) cm long, 4.5-6 cm wide, red, pink, purple, orange, white or multicolored. Style purple. Pericarpel round, smooth, reddish green. Receptacle 4 cm long. Stamens in two groups, filaments white, pollen yellow. Little has been written of the variability of colour in the flower in the wild although one would assume that red predominates.

Blooming Season

Autumn and winter ( In northern hemishere November through February). Flowering is triggered by short days and cool temperatures

Fruits

Round to pear shaped, red, smooth.

Areoles

Almost spineless or with tiny brush-like spines and little felt. Terminal areole between two teeth composite, long and felty.