The Night Blooming Cereus Cactus: Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

There are hundreds of varieties of these unruly appearing plants that we see growing along the ground, over bushes, up trees, even hanging off branches. There is a beauty within but defiantly not seen during the daylight hours for they are nocturnal. They bloom only during a very short pollination period. Many people are not familiar with these large beautiful flowers. Many of us are only aware of the reaching thorns barbs and stingers and unsightly growth ready for a much needed trim.

The night blooming and fragrant Cereus may well seem unfriendly but most species of the Cereus bear pleasant tasting edible fruit. Getting past these thorns and barbs to fetch the fruit can be very difficult.
Not only does the Cereus Cactus have magnificent and fragrant blooms and pleasant tasting fruit, it also contains medical properties. It is said that it can be used as a substitute for digitalis. The Shoshone Indian tribe call the night blooming Cereus “Pain in the heart” and used it for heart pain.

My introduction to this plant, from a friend of mine, has sparked my interest. I was directed to an area to a small park here in Venice, Florida where the unsightly vines are entangled though out this palm tree and plant growth. Night after night we have witnessed these beautiful white flowers, some about eight inches in diameter, and we have been waiting for the final burst where hundreds of flowers bloom at once reminding me of the fireworks on July 4th. Each night we anxiously gather with our cameras waiting for the final night but still taking advantage of what few shots we can get. Each flower blossoms only once during one night and ends its journey by sunrise not to blossom again for months. Approximately two weeks of this performance draws a growing number of onlookers all eager to capture the live opening of these buds.

Threatened to be cut down by town workers, and only with good intentions, a neighbor has been a close observer of these plants for years, halted the action in it’s tracks. Hearing chainsaws from her home, she immediately ran out and put an end to it, contacting the town officials, and changing the course of the planned cleanup. It has now won top priority in preserving these beautiful flowering plants. We give thanks to Martha and the Town of Venice for acknowledging the importance of preserving this Garden beauty. Tena Ellinwood http://www.tenaphoto.com