Dendrocereus
| Dendrocereus | |
|---|---|
| File:Dendrocereus nudiflorus.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Phyllocacteae |
| SubTribe | Corryocactinae |
| Genus | Dendrocereus |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek dendron (tree) and the Latin cereus (wax candle), referring to the massive, arborescent (tree-like) growth habit of these plants.
Description
Dendrocereus consists of giant, tree-like cacti that can exceed 10 meters in height. They develop a true woody trunk, which can reach over 1 meter in diameter. The canopy is composed of numerous branches, typically with 3 to 5 ribs and strongly undulate or crenate margins.
The flowers are nocturnal, fragrant (with a scent reminiscent of birch), and widely funnel-shaped. They are primarily pollinated by bats. A standout feature of the genus is its fruit: globose to pear-shaped and reaching up to 12 cm in length, these are among the largest fruits in the entire Cactaceae family. They have a very thick, hard green skin and a mucilaginous pulp.
Habitat
An insular genus found in the Caribbean, specifically in coastal undergrowths known as "maniguas" within dry tropical zones. They often grow very close to the sea.
Distribution
- Cuba: Granma, Guantánamo, Matanzas (Endemic areas for D. nudiflorus).
- Haiti: Northwestern regions.
- Dominican Republic: Altagracia, Pedernales.
Species
Joël Lodé recognizes 2 species:
- Dendrocereus nudiflorus – The "Giant Bull Cactus" of Cuba; critically endangered.
- Dendrocereus undulosus – Found in Hispaniola; branches and blooms much earlier than its Cuban relative.
Notes
- Conservation Crisis: Dendrocereus nudiflorus is facing extinction because its natural seed disperser has likely disappeared. Natural populations show a worrying lack of young specimens.
- Taxonomy: While previously grouped under Acanthocereus, molecular studies (Hernández-Hernández et al., 2011) show a closer relationship to Leptocereus.
- Evolutionary Convergence: This genus is a classic example of how unrelated plants (like Euphorbia candelabrum) can evolve nearly identical forms to survive in similar climates.
