Cryptocereus
| Cryptocereus | |
|---|---|
| File:Cryptocereus anthonyanus.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Phyllocacteae |
| SubTribe | Hylocereinae |
| Genus | Cryptocereus |
| Species | |
| Notes | Monotypic genus. Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek kryptos (hidden) and cereus (wax candle). It refers to the fact that the genus remained undiscovered for a long time in a region of Mexico (Chiapas) that had already been extensively explored by botanists.
Description
Cryptocereus is a monotypic genus (consisting of only one species) of epiphytic, climbing, or pendulous plants. It is most famous for its unique stem morphology: the stems are flattened and deeply lobed in a distinct **zigzag pattern**, resembling a fishbone. The apex of the lobes is typically blunt.
The areoles are tiny, bearing very small spines, usually in sets of three. The flowers are nocturnal, self-sterile, and highly fragrant, adapted for pollination by hawk-moths (Sphingidae) and bats. They have a striking appearance with white inner tepals and purplish outer tepals. The fruits are egg-shaped, green, and densely covered in spines.
Habitat
This cactus grows as an epiphyte in the humid tropical rainforests of southern Mexico. It is found at relatively low altitudes, between 180 m and 800 m, where it clings to trees in shaded, moist environments.
Distribution
- Mexico: Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Veracruz.
Species
The genus contains only one recognized species:
Notes
- Taxonomic Debate: The classification of this genus is highly contested. While David Hunt (1989) and Bauer (2003) included it in Selenicereus, and others like Nyffeler & Eggli (2010) moved it to Strophocactus, Joël Lodé maintains Cryptocereus as a distinct genus pending more definitive molecular data.
- Morphology: Its unique "zigzag" growth is a convergent evolution trait also seen in some species of Epiphyllum (like E. anguliger), which often leads to confusion in non-flowering plants. However, the spiny floral tube of Cryptocereus clearly distinguishes it from Epiphyllum.
