Alligator tail
Epiphyllum phyllanthus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A succulent cactus. It grows attached to other plants but not feeding off them. The stems are flattened and branching. There are some aerial roots. Older plants have some spines. The flowers are tube shaped and occur singly. They open and night. The flowers have a scent. The fruit are narrowly oval. They are reddish-green and have an irregular surface. The sweet pulp has very small black seeds amongst it.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forests in Brazil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, South America, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are sweet.

The fruit are not very popular.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are easily grow from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Acutirem-biu, Akarerowai, Calaguala, Kaiukuchi hi, Matapalo, Nopalito de flor blanca, Pitahaya morada, Pitaia-rosea, Pitainha, Pitajaya, Punwi yuyu, Sacha pitajaya, Uccavo'si

Synonyms

Cactus phyllanthus L.; Cereus phyllanthus (L.) DC. Epiphyllum gaillardae Britton & Rose; Phyllocactus phyllanthus (L.) Salm-Dyck; Rhipsalis macrocarpa Miq.;