Synonyms: |
Eriocereus martinii (Labour) Riccob. |
Common names: | Martin'sapplecactus (English) Moon cactus (English) Torch cactus (English) |
Description: | Spiny succulent shrub, 1-3 m high with branched, scrambling, often decumbent stems rooting at the nodes. Cladodes bright green, cylindrical, 20-40 mm in diameter, ribbed. Spines clustered with 1-2 central spines much longer than others. Leaves absent. Flowers showy, white 15-20 cm long, opening at night. Fruit spherical, pinkish-red outside, white inside with black seeds. |
Notes: | Mostly planted as an ornamental but and in Zimbabwe only very occasionally known as a naturalized escape. A declared weed in South Africa. |
Derivation of specific name: | |
Flowering time: | Nov - Jan |
Worldwide distribution: | Native to South America but known as a naturalised and invasive species in Australia, Africa and Hawai. |
Growth form(s): | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Image last updated: | Thursday 26 May 2016 |
Literature: |
Bromilow, C. (2010). Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa Briza Publications, South Africa Page 375. (Includes a picture). Henderson, L. (2001). Alien weeds and invasive plants Plant Protection Research Institute Handbook No. 12. Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa. Page 86. (Includes a picture). |