Rhipsalis
Sign in to saveRhipsalis ( ) is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants in the cactus family, typically known as mistletoe cacti. They are found in parts of Central America, the Caribbean and northern regions of South America. One species, Rhipsalis baccifera also inhabits locations in Africa and Asia, and is the only cactus species naturally occurring in the Old World. This is the largest and most widely distributed genus of epiphytic cacti (those which live on other plants without damaging them).
Species
Mistletoe Cactus
GENUS
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderCaryophyllales
- FamilyCactaceae
Observations4,103
via GBIF
Article
7 sectionsContents
- Description
- Taxonomy
- Species
- Distribution and habitat
- Notes
- References
- Literature
Rhipsalis ( ) is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants in the cactus family, typically known as mistletoe cacti. They are found in parts of Central America, the Caribbean and northern regions of South America. One species, Rhipsalis baccifera also inhabits locations in Africa and Asia, and is the only cactus species naturally occurring in the Old World. This is the largest and most widely distributed genus of epiphytic cacti (those which live on other plants without damaging them).
The scientific name Rhipsalis derives from the Ancient Greek term for wickerwork, referring to the plants' many entangled or intertwined branches.