Dutchman's pipe cactus facts for kids
Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as the Dutchman's pipe cactus, princess of the night, or queen of the night, is a special type of cactus. What makes it unique is that its beautiful flowers only bloom at night! They open up when it's dark and then close and wilt before the sun comes up.
Even though some people call it a "night-blooming cereus," it's not actually closely related to the other cacti that usually go by that name. Most Epiphyllum plants, like this one, grow on other plants or trees (they are epiphytic), unlike many Cereus species which grow in the ground.
Quick facts for kids Dutchman's pipe cactus |
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Epiphyllum
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oxypetalum
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Contents
Plant Description
The stems of this plant can grow in many ways. They can be straight up, climbing, or spreading out. The main stems can be up to 6 meters (about 20 feet) long. They are flat on the sides and become woody at their base.
The secondary stems are flat and shaped like a long oval. They can be up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long and 12 centimeters (about 5 inches) wide. The edges of the stems have shallow or deep wavy patterns. The stems look waxy, which helps them hold onto water. If you cut a stem, a gel-like substance might ooze out, showing how much water the plant stores.
Night-Blooming Flowers
The flowers of the Epiphyllum oxypetalum open only at night. They grow on the flat stems and can be very large, up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long and 17 centimeters (about 7 inches) wide. They also have a very strong, sweet smell.
The outer parts of the flower (called tepals) are long and pointed, about 8–10 centimeters (3–4 inches) long. They can be reddish or amber in color. The inner tepals are whitish and are also quite long, about 8–10 centimeters (3–4 inches). Inside the flower, you'll find the stamens, which are greenish-white, and the styles, which are also greenish-white or pale yellow.
After the flowers bloom and wilt, the plant can produce fruits. These fruits are oblong, purplish-red, and can grow up to 12 by 8 centimeters (about 5 by 3 inches).
Plant Names and Meanings
The name Epiphyllum comes from two Greek words: "epi," meaning "upon," and "phullon," meaning "leaf." This refers to how the flowers and stems appear to grow on leaves.
The word Oxypetalum means "with acute petals." This describes the pointed shape of the flower's petals.
Where It Grows
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is originally from Southern Mexico and large parts of South America. However, people have grown it in many places around the world. Because it's so widely grown, it has escaped from gardens and now grows wild in tropical areas, especially in Southeast Asia. It has even become a naturalized plant in China, meaning it grows there on its own as if it were native.
Growing and Uses
This cactus is easy to grow and grows quickly. It usually blooms from late spring through late summer. If you have a large plant, it can produce many flowers in one season! It's a very popular type of Epiphyllum to grow.
In many Asian cultures, including India, Vietnam, and Malaysia, this plant is known for its traditional medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to help with breathing problems and to reduce pain and swelling.
Images for kids
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Detail of the reproductive parts of a bloom
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Side view of an open flower
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Young stem
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Cross section of stem under a microscope
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Bud
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See also
In Spanish: Epiphyllum oxypetalum para niños
