Rhipsalidopsis
From M&J Cactus Wiki
| Rhipsalidopsis | |
|---|---|
| File:Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Rhipsalideae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Rhipsalidopsis |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) with reference to Korotkova (2011), Cálvente et al. (2011), and Barthlott (1987). |
Etymology
The name means "similar to Rhipsalis", referring to its superficial resemblance to that genus.
Description
Rhipsalidopsis is a genus of small epiphytic cacti with flattened stem segments and showy flowers.
- Habit: Epiphytic; usually multi-branched; pendulous or semi-erect.
- Stems: Flattened segments (phylloclades), sometimes with 3–6 angles; truncate; often tinged red.
- Areoles: Marginal and apical; bearing small bristles.
- Spines: Absent.
- Flowers: Diurnal; self-sterile; apical.
- Flower shape: Funnel-shaped to bell-shaped; actinomorphic.
- Flower color: Pink, scarlet to deep red.
- Pollination: By hummingbirds.
- Fruits: Globose to elongated; red.
- Seeds: Ovoid; brown; smooth; glossy.
Habitat
Occurs in humid montane forests:
- epiphytic on trees
- cloud forests and humid woodland
- often associated with Schlumbergera
Altitude range: approximately 100–2000 m.
Distribution
South America:
- Brazil (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo)
Endemic to southern Brazil.
Taxonomy
A genus with a complex nomenclatural history.
Key points:
- Originally separated from Rhipsalis (Britton & Rose, 1923)
- Later included in Hatiora (Barthlott, 1987; Anderson 2001; Hunt et al. 2006)
- Cálvente et al. (2011): proposed inclusion within Schlumbergera
- Korotkova (2011): demonstrated that Rhipsalidopsis forms a distinct clade
- Morphological differences (especially floral traits) support separation
The genus is accepted as distinct in Lodé (2015).
Species
According to Joël Lodé (2015):
Notes
- Commonly known as the "Easter cactus".
- Often confused with Schlumbergera ("Christmas cactus").
- Differs from Schlumbergera in floral symmetry and structure.
- Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
- Represents a distinct lineage within Rhipsalideae.
