Dutchman's pipe cactus, Queen of the night
Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

An evergreen succulent plant. It grows 2 m high. The stems are cylinder shaped. The branches are flat and notched. They are 15-40 cm long by 5-6 cm wide. They are wavy along the edge. It does not have spines. It does not have leaves. The flowers are white and like a water-lily flower. They come out at night.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in evergreenforests in central America between 75-2,000 m above sea level. In China it grows between 1,000-1,200 m altitude in Yunnan. It suits light, sandy, well-drained soils. It is grown in an open, sunny position. It is resistant to drought but damaged by frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Indochina, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, North America, SE Asia, South America, Venezuela, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The flower is dried and eaten in a vegetable soup.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or offsets. Seeds germinate best at a temperature of 20°C and good light conditions.

Its other names

Local names

Kaktus ratu malam, Quynhhoa, Tan hua, Thandhiraiymaa

Synonyms

Cereus oxypetalus Candolle; Phyllocactus oxypetalus (Candolle) Link ex Walpers;