View source for Acanthocereus

{{Taxobox
| name = Acanthocereus
| image = Acanthocereus.jpg
| kingdom = [[Plantae]]
| family = [[Cactaceae]]
| subfamily = [[Cactoideae]]
| tribe = [[Hylocereeae]]
| subtribe = [[Echinocereinae]]
| genus = '''Acanthocereus'''
| notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015–2019).
}}

== Etymology ==
The name ''Acanthocereus'' derives from the Greek ''akantha'' (spine) and ''cereus'' (wax candle), referring to the spiny, elongated stems typical of the genus.

== Description ==
'''Acanthocereus''' is a genus of shrubby, branching cacti with climbing or sprawling stems, often forming dense, impenetrable thickets. Stems are typically three- to four-angled (sometimes five), with pronounced ribs that may appear wavy. Plants are often dimorphic, with differences between juvenile and mature growth.

Spines are short, stiff, and strongly acicular.

Flowers are nocturnal, large, funnel-shaped, white and fragrant, with a long floral tube. They are generally self-sterile and primarily pollinated by bats and moths.

Fruits are fleshy, variable in shape and spination, often edible. Seeds are relatively large, black to brown, shiny, and elongated, with a striate surface. Dispersal is mainly by animals, including bats.

== Habitat ==
The genus grows in dry tropical forests, rocky slopes, sandy areas, and coastal zones, including mangrove regions. It can form large populations from sea level up to about 1200 m.

== Distribution ==
* Caribbean islands
* Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama)
* Mexico
* Northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela)
* USA (Florida)

== Species ==
The genus includes the following species:

* [[Acanthocereus baxaniensis]]
* [[Acanthocereus castellae]]
* [[Acanthocereus chiapensis]]
* [[Acanthocereus colombianus]]
* [[Acanthocereus cuixmalensis]]
* [[Acanthocereus fosterianus]]
* [[Acanthocereus hirschtianus]]
* [[Acanthocereus horridus]]
* [[Acanthocereus macdougallii]]
* [[Acanthocereus maculatus]]
* [[Acanthocereus marnierianus]]
* [[Acanthocereus oaxacensis]]
* [[Acanthocereus occidentalis]]
* [[Acanthocereus pitajaya]]
* [[Acanthocereus rosei]]
* [[Acanthocereus subinermis]]
* [[Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus]]
* [[Acanthocereus tetragonus]]

== Notes ==
* The genus is maintained as distinct according to Joël Lodé.
* Includes taxa formerly placed in ''Peniocereus'' (subgenus ''Pseudoacanthocereus'').
* Shows ecological adaptation to climbing and sprawling growth forms.
* Some species may form large, dense populations in suitable habitats.

[[Category:Cactaceae genera]]
[[Category:Hylocereeae]]