Night-Blooming Cereus
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Night-Blooming Cereus
Hylocereus undatus
The Night-Blooming Cereus is a magical plant that blooms only at night, releasing a sweet fragrance. Its flowers are large and white, attracting moths and bats to pollinate them.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Night-Blooming Cereus has long, triangular, green stems that are often segmented and may have small spines along their edges. Its stunning flowers are trumpet-shaped, pure white, and exceptionally large, appearing only for a single night.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusSelenicereus
Category
PlantsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It releases a sweet, strong fragrance that perfumes the night air.
Its magnificent flowers last only a few hours after opening at dusk!
Some call it "Queen of the Night" for its fleeting, grand display.
The delicious dragon fruit comes from this very plant.
Special abilities
Ability
Nocturnal Bloom
Night-Blooming Cereus can open its huge white flowers only at night to attract specific nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths.
Ability
Water Storage Stems
Night-Blooming Cereus has fleshy, succulent stems that allow it to store water, helping it survive in dry environments.
Ability
Climbing Adaptability
Night-Blooming Cereus can use aerial roots to cling and climb walls or trees, reaching for sunlight and support.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-1200 cm
- Spread
- 100-500 cm
- Flower Size
- 15-30 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to early fall nights
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bat
Ecological connections
pollinates
Pallas's long-tongued bat
Glossophaga soricina
Attracted by nectar and scent
pollinates
Tobacco hornworm moth
Manduca sexta
Its long proboscis reaches deep nectar
eats
Seba's short-tailed bat
Carollia perspicillata
Consumes its fruit, dispersing seeds
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Night Blooming
Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Also known as
CereusNight-Blooming Cactus
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Admire this plant from a distance and avoid touching it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Night-Blooming Cereus?
50-1200 cm
How wide does Night-Blooming Cereus spread?
100-500 cm
How big are the flowers on Night-Blooming Cereus?
15-30 cm
When does Night-Blooming Cereus bloom?
Summer to early fall nights
Is Night-Blooming Cereus edible?
Yes
Is Night-Blooming Cereus toxic?
None
What is Night-Blooming Cereus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Night-Blooming Cereus pollinated?
Bat
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