Synonyms:
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Eriocereus martinii (Labour) Riccob.
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Common names:
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Martin'sapplecactus (English)
Moon cactus (English)
Torch cactus (English)
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Frequency:
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Status:
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Introduced and naturalised |
Description:
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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:
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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:
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Habitat:
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Altitude range: (metres) |
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Flowering time: | Nov - Jan |
Worldwide distribution:
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Native to South America but known as a naturalised and invasive species in Australia, Africa and Hawai. |
Zimbabwe distribution:
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S |
Growth form(s):
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Endemic status:
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Red data list status:
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Insects associated with this species:
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Spot characters:
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Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: |
Thursday 26 May 2016 |
Literature:
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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).
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