Badmin: Created page with "{{Taxobox | name = Cryptocereus | image = Cryptocereus_anthonyanus.jpg | kingdom = Plantae | family = Cactaceae | subfamily = Cactoideae | tribe = Phyllocacteae | subtribe = Hylocereinae | genus = '''Cryptocereus''' | 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..."

2026-04-01T14:28:13Z

Created page with "{{Taxobox | name = Cryptocereus | image = Cryptocereus_anthonyanus.jpg | kingdom = Plantae | family = Cactaceae | subfamily = Cactoideae | tribe = Phyllocacteae | subtribe = Hylocereinae | genus = '''Cryptocereus''' | 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..."

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{{Taxobox
| name = Cryptocereus
| image = Cryptocereus_anthonyanus.jpg
| kingdom = [[Plantae]]
| family = [[Cactaceae]]
| subfamily = [[Cactoideae]]
| tribe = [[Phyllocacteae]]
| subtribe = [[Hylocereinae]]
| genus = '''Cryptocereus'''
| 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:

* [[Cryptocereus anthonyanus]]

== 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''.

[[Category:Cactaceae]]
[[Category:Cactoideae]]
[[Category:Phyllocacteae]]
[[Category:Hylocereinae]]

Cryptocereus - Revision history